Bestiality is only considered a misdemeanor in California under Penal Code 286.5 PC, with only a maximum of six months in a county jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. The FBI considers animal cruelty to be a felony, yet California's classification of bestiality as a misdemeanor gives people only 6-months to 2 years to report these horrendous crimes.

It's time for California to address bestiality as more than a misdemeanor. We need to protect animals that cannot protect themselves and seriously address this enormous oversight. Animal cruelty is a felony, and bestiality NEEDS to be regarded as explicitly and disturbingly cruel.

We must pass legislation to keep animals safe from sexual assault by making bestiality, including the filming and distribution of zoophilic acts, a felony in all 50 states. The fact that California is not already among the 31 states that have already taken action is unacceptable.