DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill calling for tougher penalties for animal cruelty is now in the hands of the Iowa Senate.
The 96-0 vote in the Iowa House on HF737 Thursday, increases the maximum penalty for egregious acts of animal abuse. Those found guilty of previous animal abuse could be charged with felonies based on the changes.
The measure also clears up some confusing language in the law. The way it is currently written, the law does not apply to a person who abuses their own pet.
According to WHO Channel 13, this bill changes the wording so that it is illegal to abuse any companion animal, regardless of who owns it.