Bill
Bill > SF195
summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/03/2026
05/03/2026
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to animal torture. Current law under Code section 717B.3A provides that a person who commits animal torture is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor for a first offense, or a class “D” felony if the person has previously been convicted of committing animal abuse under Code section 717B.2, animal neglect punishable as a serious misdemeanor or aggravated misdemeanor under Code section 717B.3, animal torture, injury to or interference with a police service dog under Code section 717B.9, bestiality under Code section 717C.1, or an act involving an animal contest event under Code section 717D.2. The bill increases the penalty for a first offense of animal torture to a class “D” felony, and to a class “C” felony if the person has previously been convicted of committing animal abuse, animal neglect punishable as a serious misdemeanor or aggravated misdemeanor, animal torture, injury to or interference with a police service dog, bestiality, or an act involving an animal contest event. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. A class “C” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than 10 years and a fine of at least $1,370 but not more than $13,660.
AI Summary
This bill increases the criminal penalties for animal torture in Iowa, changing the classification of offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to make a first-time offense of animal torture a class "D" felony, instead of an aggravated misdemeanor. For individuals with previous convictions related to animal abuse, animal neglect, animal torture, interference with a police service dog, bestiality, or prohibited animal contest events, the offense would now be classified as a class "C" felony. This means that a first-time offender could face up to five years in prison and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245, while a repeat offender could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,370 and $13,660. The bill aims to impose stricter penalties for those who commit acts of animal cruelty, reflecting a more serious approach to prosecuting such offenses.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Schultz, Blake, and Bousselot. S.J. 195. (on 02/04/2025)
Bill Topics
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Criminal and Juvenile Delinquent Prosecution, Procedure, and Sentencing
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF195 | 02/04/2025 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF195.html | 02/04/2025 |
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