Betsy Fickel
I hesitate on this bill. Leaning to a no.Why? Elevation of animals to human status. Under Code 717B.3 animal neglect it states neglect includes lack of access to adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, shelter, ventilation, protection from the elements, lack of grooming, veterinary care.On Tues. Feb. 25, another lady and I had a display table in the rotunda concerning the lawfully required care of animals vs. the lawfully required care of humans. If someone can show me in Iowa code the comparable requirements for humans, please direct me to that code. Rep. Fett did make a visit to the display and we were able to have a short conversation where she shared that one reason for this increase in penalties was to aid in convicting criminals in human and drug trafficking that if they couldn't get them on that charge, they could get them on animal cruelty charges. That is the first time I have heard of that angle. While I understand the ideology, I believe it to be quite a bit of a stretch. Have any statistics been presented to validate that claim? Or is it just someone's opinion? Of all the news stories that have been presented on human trafficking and drug smuggling, I don't recall ever hearing anything about animal torture, neglect, etc. Perhaps a pause on this bill to acquire the statistics would be a better action for now. Unfortunately due to other circumstances, I cannot be at this subcommittee hearing.
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