
Iowa
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Iowa
Overall Rank: #41 (Bottom Tier)
- +Mandatory psychological evaluations following felony convictions for animal cruelty
- -Has an ag-gag law
- -No felony provisions for first time cruelty to animals (only fighting)
- -Social services professionals not required to report suspected animal abuse
- -Limited definition of “animal”

Animal Protection Laws of Iowa
The Animal Protection Laws of Iowa compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Iowa with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Active Legislation
Active Cases

Research Breeding Facility: Ruby Fur Farm
Recent Victories

Challenging Iowa’s Recording Ban Ag-Gag Law

Updating Iowa’s Animal Protection Laws (Iowa)

Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Treatment of Animals (2018)

Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoos Treatment of Endangered Lions (2016)

Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Care of Endangered Species (2014)
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws