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Iowa Strives to Better Protect Companion Animals - National Humane Education Society

Update (7/3/20): Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 737! Iowans show your support by thanking Governor Reynolds today.

Paws Up!
April 17, 2020

To the Iowa Senate for passing House File 737 to increase the penalties for animal abuse and add more specifics to the minimum standard of care.

Iowa lawmakers are once again pushing to help better protect companion animals within its state by creating harsher punishments for those convicted of animal abuse. In 2018, a similar bill was introduced, but sadly, died before being voted on. Currently, individuals who are found guilty of torturing an animal that results in a serious injury or death only face an aggravated misdemeanor charge for their first offense, along with a psychological evaluation and treatment. (An aggravated misdemeanor sentence faces up to two years in prison and a fine of $625-$6,250.) A second offense is punishable by a class “D” felony with up to five years in prison, a fine of $750-$7,500, and a psychological evaluation.

House File 737 seeks to change that by increasing the penalty for first-time offenders to a class “D” felony, and second-time offenders will face a class “C” felony–up to ten years in prison and a fine of $1,000-$10,000. In addition, HF 737 has added more specifics to what denotes animal neglect when an individual fails to provide a confined animal with:

  • Adequate food for proper nutrition
  • Access to potable water for proper hydration
  • A ventilated shelter with protection from the elements and bedding
  • Necessary grooming
  • Regular veterinary care

Currently, anyone found guilty of animal neglect will face a simple misdemeanor charge if an animal is injured, or a serious misdemeanor charge if an animal is seriously injured or dies. HF 737 would increase these existing penalties to the following:

  • If an animal is injured, a serious misdemeanor charge will occur.
  • If an animal is seriously injured or dies, an aggravated misdemeanor will occur.
  • Repeat offenders that result in a serious injury or death to an animal will receive a class “D” felony charge.

Take Action: Iowans, if you agree that individuals who commit animal cruelty should receive stricter penalties, please contact your representative today. In doing so, you are helping to create a safer and kinder world for our companion animal friends!

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