SF 195 (LSB 2216XS (2) 91)

SENATE FILE 195

BY  DONAHUE

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to animal torture and providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 717B.3A, subsections 4 and 5, Code 2025, are amended to read as follows:
   4.  A person who commits animal torture is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor a class “D” felony.
   5.  Notwithstanding subsection 4, a person who commits animal torture is guilty of a class “D” “C” felony if the person has previously been convicted of committing animal abuse pursuant to section 717B.2, animal neglect punishable as a serious misdemeanor or aggravated misdemeanor pursuant to section 717B.3, animal torture pursuant to this section, injury to or interference with a police service dog pursuant to section 717B.9, bestiality pursuant to section 717C.1, or an act involving a contest event prohibited in section 717D.2.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to animal torture.
   Current law under Code section 717B.3A provides that a person who commits animal torture is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor for a first offense, or a class “D” felony if the person has previously been convicted of committing animal abuse under Code section 717B.2, animal neglect punishable as a serious misdemeanor or aggravated misdemeanor under Code section 717B.3, animal torture, injury to or interference with a police service dog under Code section 717B.9, bestiality under Code section 717C.1, or an act involving an animal contest event under Code section 717D.2.
   The bill increases the penalty for a first offense of animal torture to a class “D” felony, and to a class “C” felony if the person has previously been convicted of committing animal abuse, animal neglect punishable as a serious misdemeanor or aggravated misdemeanor, animal torture, injury to or interference with a police service dog, bestiality, or an act involving an animal contest event.
   A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. A class “C” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than 10 years and a fine of at least $1,370 but not more than $13,660.