Anti-bestiality law passes state Senate

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The state Senate unanimously approved a measure that would bar people from having sexual contact with animals.

The vote on Monday was 35-0.

State law now prohibits torturing or neglecting animals. The new measure would add any sexual contact to the list of prohibitions.

The bill designates bestiality as a fourth-degree criminal offense, punishable by 18 months in prison, a fine of $10,000 or both.

It will now go to Gov. Chris Christie for his consideration.

The Assembly unanimously passed an identical measure last June.

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