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Iowa is the last state in the nation that doesn't charge animal abusers with a felony for their first offense, but that could soon change.

Lawmakers have unanimously passed legislation that would make animal cruelty a first offense felony and increase penalties for repeat offenders. Urge Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign it into law!

Under the pending legislation, a person commits animal torture if they “intentionally, willfully, and maliciously mutilates, burns, poisons, drowns, starves or causes intensive or prolonged pain or death to an animal companion, or provides anything of value to another person to do the same.”

Violators would be charged with a Class D felony, which comes with up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,425. It also increases penalties for repeat offenders.

This common-sense legislation is a much-needed change in Iowa to protect animal companions and hold abusers accountable for the harm they cause.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Please sign HF 2348 to make animal torture a felony

As someone concerned with animal welfare, I’m writing to urge you to please sign HF2348 into law to make animal torture a felony.
 
Iowa is the last state in the nation where animal torture isn’t charged as a felony on the first offense. Not only is this a disservice to animal victims of cruelty, but it lets those who abuse them off the hook with little accountability for the harm they cause.
 
Animal cruelty must be taken seriously by the public, law enforcement, and the courts, particularly when we recognize the potential for violence against animals to escalate to violence against people.

It shouldn’t take a prior offense for cruelty to be charged as a felony, and law enforcement shouldn’t be left without being able to bring meaningful charges against those who cause harm.
 
I understand that you plan to sign this bill into law, and I thank you for recognizing the severity of these crimes.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.