Iowa criminal charge
Bestiality in Iowa
Bestiality is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 717C.1. Its classification is not fixed: Iowa assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Iowa Code § 717C.1.
What is the penalty for bestiality in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Bestiality — first offense — A person who performs a sex act with an animal is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Bestiality — first offense — A person who performs a sex act with an animal is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Bestiality — second or subsequent offense — A person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a class D felony.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Bestiality — second or subsequent offense — A person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a class D felony.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Bestiality — prior animal abuse/neglect conviction — A person previously convicted of a violation of section 717B.2, 717B.3, 717B.3A, or 717B.3B who commits a violation of this section is guilty of a class D felony.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Bestiality — prior animal abuse/neglect conviction — A person previously convicted of a violation of section 717B.2, 717B.3, 717B.3A, or 717B.3B who commits a violation of this section is guilty of a class D felony.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is bestiality classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bestiality — first offense | Aggravated Misdemeanor | A person who performs a sex act with an animal is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 717C.1(2)(a) |
| Bestiality — second or subsequent offense | Class “D” Felony | A person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a class D felony. | Iowa Code § 717C.1(2)(b) |
| Bestiality — prior animal abuse/neglect conviction | Class “D” Felony | A person previously convicted of a violation of section 717B.2, 717B.3, 717B.3A, or 717B.3B who commits a violation of this section is guilty of a class D felony. | Iowa Code § 717C.1(2)(c) |
Common questions about bestiality in Iowa
Is bestiality a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: bestiality ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 717C.1.
Bestiality — first offense: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 717C.1(2)(a)) · Bestiality — second or subsequent offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 717C.1(2)(b)) · Bestiality — prior animal abuse/neglect conviction: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 717C.1(2)(c))
What are the penalties for bestiality in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers bestiality?
Bestiality is governed by Iowa Code § 717C.1 (Bestiality).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.