New Iowa animal abuse law would make tougher penalties and jail time

DES MOINES, Iowa - The State of Iowa is working on a tougher animal abuse law right now that would make repeat animal abuse and animal torture cases criminal felonies.

"Stronger laws for animal abuse and stronger penalties. It did go through the Iowa State House Friday on a unanimous vote." Says Carol Griglion with the Animal Rescue League.

"It now goes on to the State Senate." Griglion said.

The new law would also raise cases of animal neglect and death to aggravated misdemeanors, with a sentence up to two years for a conviction.

Animal torture and repeat animal abuse convictions would be raised to a Class D felony, with sentencing up to five years.

CLICK HERE to read Senate File 57 with details of the proposed new law.

In the case of two dogs found killed and thrown into a river in Central Iowa, the suspect would likely qualify for tougher charges if the person responsible is caught, charged with animal torture, and convicted.

"Someone threw dogs into the Raccoon River near Dawson, northwest of Des Moines." Griglion said.

"The dogs were shot in the face, put in garbage bags, and dumped in the river." She said.

The Animal Rescue League is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Department is releasing photos of the dogs, in hopes that someone will recognize the animals and lead detectives to their owner. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Department at 515-993-4567.


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