Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 717B.8 — Abandonment of cats and dogs penalties
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 717B: Mistreatment of Animals, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 717B.8
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. A person commits animal abandonment if the person owns or has custody of a cat or dog and relinquishes all rights in and duties to care for the cat or dog.
2. This section does not apply to any of the following:
a. The delivery of a cat or dog to another person who will accept ownership and custody of the cat or dog.
b. The delivery of a cat or dog to an animal shelter or pound as defined in section 162.2 that has been issued or renewed a valid authorization by the department under chapter 162.
c. A person who relinquishes custody of a cat at a location in which the person does not hold a legal or equitable interest, if previously the person had taken custody of the cat at the same location and provided for the cat’s sterilization by a veterinarian.
3. a. A person who commits animal abandonment that does not cause injury or death to an animal is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.
b. A person who commits animal abandonment that causes injury other than serious injury or death to an animal is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.
c. A person who commits animal abandonment that causes serious injury or death to an animal is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.