The Iowa Senate has voted to pass a bill that would strengthen the state’s animal cruelty penalties.
Animal cruelty laws in Iowa are some of the most lenient in the United States, and the new legislation is designed to provide more appropriate consequences for perpetrators of abuse.
“I am sick and tired of hearing in the news on almost a daily or weekly basis of these cases where these companion animals are being abused,” said Senator Brad Zaun, the bill’s floor manager. “What we’re trying to solve here is Iowa being one of the lowest-ranked states in regards to animal abuse.”
Under the new bill, which passed the Senate on a vote of 44-3, first-offense animal torture remains an aggravated misdemeanor with the guilty party facing a prison sentence of up to two years, but adds a mandatory minimum of 70 percent of that two-year sentence before the guilty party is eligible for parole or work release.
Second-offense animal mistreatment results in a class D felony and the guilty party will face up to a five-year prison sentence, a big step up from the current aggravated misdemeanor charge.
Last year, the Iowa House passed legislation that would increase first-offense animal torture to a class D felony, but the Senate’s amended bill doesn’t go that far. Regardless, this is a step in the right direction for a state ranked second-worst in the country regarding animal welfare laws in January 2020.
The bill needs to be approved by the Iowa House before it is put before Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign into law.
Sign Lady Freethinker’s petition to urge Iowa lawmakers to quickly pass this legislation.
First time offenders or anytime offenders any act of abuse Todd’s an animal belongs being a felony ! If the animal is murdered or left unable to care for itself these offenders loose their right to life control of their own !
Cruelty needs to STOP!
Pass that bill. I have everything crossed.
I am shocked and appalled to learn that people do such things in Iowa. But I have hope, due to this new bill. Thank you, Senator Zaun! Please, everyone, make this bill into law, and then see that the law is enforced!
Well at least that’s a step in the right direction for Iowa but let’s see if it gets enforced. I’m glad there are those in Iowa who are just as passionate as I am about animal abuse and torture. But if the animal is murdered in the act of abuse or torture, what kind of sentencing will the perpetrator(s) receive?????
All offenders should be punished**
All offenders should be punished**
I’m horrified that people can hurt such beautiful pets!
I’m horrified that people can hurt such beautiful pets!
Why do they have to be repeat offenders?
Hit ’em hard the first time for animal cruelty!
Make examples of these vile humans. Give them the death penalty.
Thank you Iowa senate for this new felony law.
I just read the article about the Iowa Senate approving a bill regarding REPEATED ANIMAL CRUELTY. Why must it be repeated? First offense should be a felony!!!! These are God’s children and need to be treated with love, respect and care!!!
Agree.Why does it have to be repeat.
We all should know the offenders name also the area he/she lives in and just as important a mug fit.
I love to hear good news for animals where the conscience of man is awakening. Thank you…God bless you.
BRAVO to senator Brad Zaun! this should have happened decades ago.
pauvre minou
Long overdue! Never understood why cruelty towards a helpless animal should be any different than that towards a helpless child.
Stopp tortur av dyr!
Thank you! It is about time. There is no excuse for abuse of an animal of any kind! If you hurt an animal you can hurt a child.
Go after abusers!! There’s no excuse for them
This is a step in the right direction but 2 years is not enough!!
Good fo Iowa and Gov Kim Reynolds if this passes into law.
WHY CAN’T FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME, ANY ANIMAL ABUSE BE CHARGED AS A FELONY WITH ABUSERS BANNED FROM EVER OWNING ANY OTHER ANIMALS!!!!
WHY CAN’T FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME, ANY ANIMAL ABUSE BE CHARGED AS A FELONY WITH ABUSERS BANNED FROM EVER OWNING ANY OTHER ANIMALS!!!!