N.J. Assembly passes bestiality bill, now illegal

The New Jersey Assembly has passed a bill that would make it illegal for people to have sex with animals.

But the measure may hit a dead-end because there’s no companion legislation in the state Senate.

Thirty-seven states explicitly ban bestiality.

The bill would make bestiality a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The penalties would be upgraded if the animal dies.

The bill’s sponsor says the state’s animal cruelty laws fall short.