Broad Coalition of Iowa Organizations United in Support Felony Animal Cruelty Bill as Legislative Session Nears End

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. DES MOINES, Iowa — A coalition of Iowa organizations has registered support for Senate File 2099, a bill that would make intentional animal torture a Class "D" felony on a first offense. With the 2026 legislative session scheduled to adjourn April 21, supporters are asking Senate leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. The measure has advanced with bipartisan backing. It passed the Iowa House unanimously and was approved unanimously by a Senate subcommittee and the full Senate Judiciary Committee. It is currently listed on the Senate's unfinished business calendar. "Iowa stands alone as the only state in the nation that does not treat animal torture as a first-offense felony," said Preston Moore, Iowa state director for Humane World for Animals. "This bill is a step forward that addresses a gap in current law." Organizations registered in support of the bill include the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, the Iowa Police Chiefs Association, the Iowa Fraternal Order of Police, the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance, Soaring Hearts, the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Humane World for Animals. No organizations or lobbyists are registered in opposition to the bill, according to legislative records. If approved, the bill would make first-offense animal torture a Class "D" felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison under Iowa law. Supporters say they hope the Senate will take up the measure before the session ends. Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.