DES MOINES, IOWA (March 13, 2020) — Iowa has been one of the worst states for protecting pets, but the Legislature is finally acting.
HF737, which passed the Senate 44-3 on March 4, will crack down on anyone – including pet owners — who neglects, injures, or kills a companion animal. It will also enhance penalties for offenders who commit multiple animal-mistreatment crimes. Certain abusers may have to undergo a psychological evaluation and get additional help, such as counseling.
This bill strictly addresses companion animals, and will have no bearing on livestock. It defines “animal mistreatment” in Iowa Code Chapter 717B (Injury to Animals Other than Livestock).
Animal mistreatment includes:
- Animal abuse — Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly injuring or killing an animal.
- Animal neglect — Failing to provide an animal with adequate food and water, sanitary and ventilated shelter, and necessary grooming and veterinary care.
- Animal torture — Intentionally or knowingly inflicting severe and prolonged or repeated physical pain that causes serious injury or death to an animal.
- Abandoning a cat or dog.
- Injuring a police dog.
It will be an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison, if an animal is seriously injured or killed due to mistreatment.
HF737 won unanimous approval in the House last year. The Senate amended the bill, so the House must agree to our changes before it can be signed into law.
Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund ranked Iowa 49th in the nation for our animal protection laws. HF737 is a long-overdue step in the right direction.
Additional information
This is a legislative update by State Senator Jim Lykam, representing Davenport and Buffalo. For bio, photos and further information, go to senate.iowa.gov/senator/lykam.
To contact Senator Lykam when the Legislature is in session, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at 563-391-1919. E-mail him at jim.lykam@legis.iowa.gov.
Sen Lykam serves on the following committees:
