Investigating animal sexual abuse is a different beast, so to speak. Cases are frequently complex, involving multiple animals, offenders, and jurisdictions. Media attention is typically high. And most often, this will be the first time you've had to face beastiality up close and personal.

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A new federal law does not prevent bestiality

Last year, President Trump signed the PACT Act into law. The intention of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act was to amend the existing Crush Prohibition Act which criminalized production and distribution of animal crush videos, but did not make the underlying act of animal torture a federally prosecutable crime.

The PACT Act received a lot of media attention, but like a lot of laws, the language is complicated, yet precise. A number of reports have indicated that this Act will prevent or criminalize the commission of bestiality; however, that's not actually true - except in very specific circumstances, that so far, don't seem to actually happen.

Bestiality can and should continue to be prosecuted under state laws.

Wisconsin passes benchmark law prohibiting bestiality

Feburary 12, 2020 - Last night Wisconsin legislators passed a landmark bill making bestiality a felony, punishable by up to nearly 13 years in prison. In addition to acts of sexual abuse, possession and distribution of pornography involving animals is punishable. Sentences vary depending on whether the animal dies or a child is coerced to watch or participate in the act. Convicted offenders will be required to register as sex offenders.

SB 139 will now go to Gov. Tony Evers for signature.