Iowa criminal charge
Livestock neglect in Iowa
Livestock neglect is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 717.2. 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 § 717.2.
What is the penalty for livestock neglect in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (Livestock neglect - base offense — A person who commits the offense of livestock neglect is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.; may be ordered in lieu of or in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(a))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $105 to $855 (Livestock neglect - base offense — A person who commits the offense of livestock neglect is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); jail may be ordered in lieu of the fine; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Livestock neglect - intentional causing serious injury or death — A person who intentionally commits livestock neglect which results in serious injury to or the death of livestock is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Livestock neglect - intentional causing serious injury or death — A person who intentionally commits livestock neglect which results in serious injury to or the death of livestock is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is livestock neglect classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livestock neglect - base offense | Simple Misdemeanor | A person who commits the offense of livestock neglect is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 717.2(2) |
| Livestock neglect - intentional causing serious injury or death | Serious Misdemeanor | A person who intentionally commits livestock neglect which results in serious injury to or the death of livestock is guilty of a serious misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 717.2(2) |
Common questions about livestock neglect in Iowa
Is livestock neglect a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: livestock neglect ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Serious Misdemeanor in Iowa under Iowa Code § 717.2.
Livestock neglect - base offense: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 717.2(2)) · Livestock neglect - intentional causing serious injury or death: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 717.2(2))
What are the penalties for livestock neglect in Iowa?
Penalties for livestock neglect in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Simple Misdemeanor up to a Serious Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 903.1; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers livestock neglect?
Livestock neglect is governed by Iowa Code § 717.2 (Livestock neglect).
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.