The Puppy's Petition

I am sure that you have noticed, but animal abuse is on the rise in Iowa. Over the past few months there have been many news stories about starved horses, abused dogs, and murdered pets. What I am trying to do would punish these people more severely, in hopes that society would become more educated on animal rights. I have outlined Iowa%u2019s current animal abuse law and then upgraded it using the best state law that I found while reviewing the topic.

            As it stands now, a person in Iowa who is guilty of animal neglect receives a fine from $65 to $625 and might have to spend thirty days in jail. A person who commits animal abuse receives a fine from $500 to $5000 and up to two years in jail. Someone who is found guilty of animal torture would receive the same penalty as mention before, and psychological treatment. (Iowa code 717 B 1 et. Seq.)

            What I am trying to push through would be a law that is identical to the Illinois code (510 ILCS 70/3). As you will notice, the fines are higher and the time in jail is also increased. Someone found guilty of animal neglect would receive a fine up to $1500 and imprisonment for up to six months. Cruel treatment of an animal would fine the guilty party up to $2500 and imprisonment for up to an entire year. An act of aggravated cruelty comes with a fine up to $25,000 and imprisonment from 3-5 years, as well as one year probation. And finally, someone who is guilty of animal torture would receive the same fine, imprisonment from 2-5 years, one year probation, and a mandatory psychiatric evaluation.