C.G.S. § 53a-73b — Sexual Assault of an Animal

Connecticut makes it a crime to (1) have sexual contact with an animal, (2) force someone else to do so, or (3) create or distribute pornographic images of that sexual contact. A conviction is a Class A misdemeanor, and the court must also order a 5-year ban on owning, living with, or working around animals after conviction or release.

To convict under § 53a-73b, prosecutors must show you knowingly, for sexual gratification of yourself or another, did at least one of the following:

• Engaged in sexual contact with an animal;
• Forced another person to engage in sexual contact with an animal; or
• Created or distributed pornographic images of that prohibited sexual contact.

• Classification: Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and probation).
• Mandatory add-on: For 5 years from conviction or release (whichever is later), the court must order that you (1) not own, harbor, possess, reside with, adopt, or foster any animal, and (2) not be employed by or volunteer for any role involving animal care or regular contact.

• Vet or shelter staff report suspicious injuries or disclosures.
• Roommates/partners find hidden media or messages.
• Cloud backups reveal files tied to a login or device.
• Animal-welfare or child-safety checks uncover related conduct.

• Identity & authorship: Can the State actually prove who created/possessed/distributed the content?
• Knowledge/intent: Misattribution, spoofed accounts, or hacked storage.
• Scope of “distribution”: Possession ≠ publication—what was actually sent or shared?
• Search & seizure: Warrants, scope limits, and forensic handling of devices/cloud data.

Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program — A Path to Dismissal

Because § 53a-73b is a Class A misdemeanor, many first-time, low-risk clients may be eligible for the AR Program. If the judge grants AR and you complete all conditions (often counseling and strict no-animal-contact terms), the case is dismissed and erased. AR is discretionary—the judge decides after hearing from the prosecutor and any listed victim—so a tight mitigation packet and early compliance help.

1. Stop talking to police about devices, accounts, or files—ask for a lawyer.
2. Do not delete anything; preserve phones, computers, and cloud accounts.
3. Gather documents: employment letters, counseling intake, proof of no current animal contact.
4. Call early so we can control the narrative, protect your rights, and pursue AR or other non-conviction outcomes.

For more information on the arraignment, bond, and case process, consult our Criminal Defense home page

• Cruelty to animals — § 53-247
• Sexual assault in the fourth degree (person offenses) — § 53a-73a
• Obscenity/related distribution offenses — various §§ (fact-specific)

No. It’s a Class A misdemeanor, but the mandatory 5-year animal-contact ban makes the consequences significant.

Identity and authorship are central issues. We challenge whether the State can reliably tie the files/accounts to you.

“Distribution” generally means sending or sharing; whether a brief in-person viewing qualifies depends on the facts. We force the State to prove what was actually sent.

If you’re eligible and the court grants AR, successful completion leads to dismissal and erasure.

The 5-year ban applies upon conviction, but judges can set release conditions limiting animal contact while the case is open. We aim to avoid a conviction or obtain terms that protect your future.

Questions about a § 53a-73b arrest or investigation? Call Attorney Allan F. Friedman at (203) 357-5555 or use our online contact page. for a confidential strategy session. We’ll move quickly to protect your record and your future. For more information on how we defend criminal cases take a look at our main web page.