Bill
Bill > HF2190
IA HF2190
IA HF2190A bill for an act relating to requirements for proof of ownership of dogs and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 2016.)
summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the verification of ownership of dogs. Under current law, a dog is deemed property if the dog is under six months of age or if the dog is at least six months of age and wearing a collar with a valid rabies vaccination tag attached to the collar. A person is prohibited from owning or having in possession a dog that is at least six months of age if the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies. The bill provides that a dog under six months of age is deemed property and that ownership of the dog can be shown by tattoo, microchip, receipt, contract, medical records, or other documented history of ownership. The bill provides that a dog over six months of age is deemed property only if proof of ownership exists, which can be shown by a valid rabies vaccination tag, tattoo, microchip, receipt, contract, medical records, or other documented history of ownership. The bill provides that the amended Code section shall not be construed to affect a dog owner’s obligation to vaccinate their dog under Code sections 351.33 (rabies vaccination) and 351.35 (how and when). The bill provides that in a legal dispute over ownership, the owner of the dog is presumed to be the person with proof of ownership as shown in one of the ways listed in the bill, and that this presumption can only be overcome by a preponderance of evidence to the contrary. The bill provides that any person who knowingly misrepresents the ownership of a dog to a law enforcement officer or in a legal proceeding is guilty of a simple misdemeanor; a simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for not more than 30 days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.
AI Summary
This bill modifies how dog ownership is proven and establishes penalties for misrepresentation. For dogs six months or younger, ownership can be proven through various documented methods including tattoos, microchips (small electronic devices implanted under the skin), receipts, contracts, veterinary records, or other historical proof. For dogs older than six months, ownership is only recognized if there is proof, which can include a rabies vaccination tag on the collar, a tattoo, a microchip, a receipt, a contract, veterinary records, or other documented history. This bill clarifies that it does not change a dog owner's responsibility to vaccinate their dog against rabies as required by existing laws. In any legal dispute over a dog's ownership, the person who can provide proof of ownership through these methods is presumed to be the owner, and this presumption can only be overturned with strong evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, anyone who knowingly lies about dog ownership to law enforcement or in court faces a simple misdemeanor, which can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (House)
Last Action
Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 164. (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2190 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2190.html |
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