Bestiality Content

It is a crime to engage in sexual activity with animals in New Zealand.

It’s also against the law of New Zealand to make, possess, or share content that promotes or supports bestiality.

Bestiality harms animals and people. Creating this material involves the direct abuse and exploitation of animals and the people shown. The sharing and viewing of this content continues that exploitation and increases the risk of harm, including to future victims, by making the behaviour seem sexually appealing, easy to do, or presenting it as having no consequences.

This page tells you what New Zealand law (the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993) says about bestiality content and what you can do if you come across it.

This information is for general understanding and awareness. It is not legal advice.

What is bestiality content?

Bestiality content refers to explicit content that shows, describes or implies sexual activity between a person and an animal. If this content promotes and supports bestiality by encouraging these behaviours or making them seem acceptable or desirable in real life, the content will be illegal.

What does bestiality content include?

Content involving bestiality can be images, videos, livestreams, or any online content. It often includes real animals and people, but it doesn’t have to. The Classification Act treats Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), and animated sexual violence in the same way as bestiality containing real-life abuse. Even if content is fake, it can still encourage real-life harm. You can read more about AI and the law here.

Sometimes this kind of material shows up as a meme or a joke, shared by someone who does not realise the harmful impact. Content that shows bestiality can still be illegal, even when it’s presented in an edited format.

Is bestiality content illegal?

The law that says content promoting or supporting bestiality is illegal is the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993. It is a crime, and there are serious legal consequences if you are involved in creating, accessing, or sharing this material.

What does “promote or support” mean?

In this context, promote or support means content that encourages, normalises, or presents bestiality as acceptable or harmless. This includes material that approves of it, justifies it, or suggests it should be engaged in.

It can also include content that provides instruction or endorsement, and in some cases, this may include material presented as fictional, humorous, or for entertainment, depending on how it is framed and the overall message.

Are all representations of bestiality illegal? What about fiction, satire or news reporting?

The law, and the Classification Office, places a high priority on freedom of expression. Not all content that deals with bestiality is illegal.

Content that refers to bestiality in a factual, critical, or harm-focused way, such as news reporting, education, or legal discussion, does not promote or support it and is not illegal.

References to bestiality in fiction, film, or other forms of entertainment are not illegal, as long as the content does not endorse or encourage the behaviour. In some cases, an age restriction may apply because the material could be harmful for younger audiences (for example, an R16 film.)

Content that presents bestiality for sexual arousal is almost certainly illegal.

About the Classification Office’s role and how the law works

The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 balances freedom of expression with protecting people from harm – especially children and young people.

Every piece of content the Classification Office sees is different and to decide whether something is illegal it must consider each one on its own merits and carefully apply the Act and the principles of fairness and natural justice. There are also serious penalties for offences under the Act. This is why decisions about whether content is illegal are made by trained experts at the Classification Office, who, guided by the Act, follow a very transparent and fair process before making a decision.

You can read more about the classification process here.

Why or where might people come across objectionable bestiality content?

Like any content, people can come across bestiality content in a variety of ways – for example, on social media feeds, websites, messaging apps, or by being shown content in person. Content might be unwanted or show up unexpectedly, or people might seek it out intentionally.

How to report harmful or illegal content

If you come across harmful, distressing, or illegal content online, it’s important to report it.

Reporting helps protect you, your whānau, and others. It supports safer online spaces, and ensures the right agencies can act. You don’t need to be certain whether content is illegal, different New Zealand agencies can assess it and respond appropriately. You can report content even if it’s hosted overseas.

Find out who to report to and how to report harmful or illegal content in New Zealand.
How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand

People across Aotearoa have consistently told us they are concerned about the harms of extreme content. Young people, parents and caregivers, grandparents, aunties and uncles, educators, and community leaders are worried for themselves, for young people, and for their communities.

Addressing these harms is a shared effort, supported by clear laws, dedicated agencies, and community action. Together, we can reduce harm by not creating or sharing objectionable content, protecting wellbeing, and reporting harm when we see it.

What’s next?

For parents and whānau: The Classification Office has a range of practical resources to help you support young people who may be encountering extreme content online — from conversation starters to insights shared directly by rangatahi.

For educators and those working with young people: Our resources focus on supporting young people safely and confidently, including guidance on keeping yourselves safe in those conversations and knowing what to do if concerns arise.

For young people: Learning about this content is an important step in staying safe and understanding where the legal line sits. If you need to report something, you can find out how here. If you’d like to talk to someone, our list of support helplines is available here.