Cruelty to animals is illegal in Iowa, as it is across the country. Historically, the state had relatively weak animal protection laws, but they were considerably strengthened in 2020 to stiffen penalties and cover more types of animal abuse and neglect. Below, we’ve summarized the most important laws that pet owners and animal lovers should know about.
What Is Considered Animal Cruelty in Iowa?
Iowas considers the following acts to be "animal mistreatment" or cruelty:
- animal neglect
- animal abuse
- animal torture, and
- abandonment of a cat or dog.
The punishment for these crimes ranges from a simple misdemeanor to a class D felony, as described below. A judge can also order a convicted defendant to attend psychological evaluation and treatment.
(Iowa Code §§ 717B.2, 717B.3, 717B.3A, 717B.3B, 717B.8, 902.9, 903.1 (2023).)
What Are the Penalties for Animal Neglect and Abandonment in Iowa?
It’s a crime in Iowa to neglect confined animals by failing to provide them with:
- adequate food and water
- sanitary conditions
- ventilated shelter that protects them from the weather, and
- veterinary care and grooming that's needed to prevent suffering or negative health effects.
It's also illegal to abandon a dog or cat.
Animal neglect or abandonment is generally a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail, but it becomes a serious misdemeanor if the animal was injured as a result, or an aggravated misdemeanor if the animal was seriously injured or died. Serious misdemeanors carry the potential of up to a year in jail, and aggravated misdemeanors carry up to two years of imprisonment.
(Iowa Code §§ 717B.3, 717B.8, 902.9, 903.1 (2023).)
What Are the Penalties for Animal Abuse or Torture in Iowa?
In Iowa, it’s a crime to abuse an animal (other than livestock) by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injuring or killing it by use of force, violence, or poisoning. The state also outlaws torturing any animal, defined as intentionally or knowingly inflicting severe and prolonged or repeated physical pain that leads to the animal's injury or death.
Animal abuse is generally considered a serious misdemeanor and carries up to one year of jail time. However, torture or any abuse that leads to an animal's serious injury or death is considered an aggravated misdemeanor for a first offense or a class D felony if you've previously been convicted of animal mistreatment or certain related crimes. Aggravated misdemeanors are punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, and class D felonies carry up to a five-year prison sentence.
(Iowa Code §§ 717B.2, 717B.3A, 902.9, 903.1 (2023).)
Are Dogfights and Other Organized Animal Fights Illegal in Iowa?
Yes. It’s a class D felony in Iowa to participate in organized animal fighting, from owning and training the animals to promoting or betting on the fights. Anyone who is a spectator at the fights will face misdemeanor charges for a first offense and felony charges for any subsequent offenses. The law applies to any contests where animals are injured, tortured, or killed for entertainment or profit, except hunting or fishing parties, rodeos, races, and similar events.
(Iowa Code §§ 717D.1 to 717D.4 (2023).)
When Can Animal Control Take Your Pet or Animal in Iowa?
Law enforcement officers may rescue animals they believe are threatened, which means abused, neglected, or tortured. After a civil hearing, the court will then decide if the animal is actually threatened and, if so, will transfer its care from the owner. The court can also order the owner to pay for the costs incurred by a local authority in caring for the animal, plus court costs and attorneys’ fees.
(Iowa Code §§ 717B.4, 717B.5 (2023).)
Defenses to Animal Cruelty Charges in Iowa
Iowa exempts several kinds of legal activity from its animal torture and abuse laws, including:
- reasonable euthanasia
- accepted practices at a research facility
- hunting, trapping, and fishing; and
- actions to protect people or property from loose or wild animals.
Animal abandonment charges don’t apply if a person gives up the cat or dog to an animal shelter, pound, or another person who accepts ownership and custody of the animal.
(Iowa Code §§ 717B.4, 717B.3B, 717B.5 (2023).)
How to Report Animal Abuse in Iowa
If you see or hear an animal that appears to be abused, mistreated, or neglected, contact your local police department. You can also reach out to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL). The ARL has an animal welfare coordinator who investigates animal abuse cases in Iowa.
If you’re concerned about conditions at a puppy mill or pet shop, you can report the information to the Humane Society or the Animal Welfare Division of the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
Speaking With a Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of animal mistreatment in Iowa—or you’re worried about possible charges—it’s a good idea to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney experienced in this area should be able to explain how the law applies to the circumstances in your case, how you might recover your pet if authorities have already taken it, and any defense you might have to criminal charges.