Improve Iowa’s animal cruelty laws

Too frequently we read about unimaginable cruelty to animals happening in Iowa. Too often it seems there are few if any consequences for those responsible.

People in the Cedar Rapids area might recall the case of Jennifer Wood, who in 2011 had 35 animals taken from her home due to unsanitary conditions. It was the third time animals had been seized or surrendered by Wood, totaling nearly 300 animals. No charges had been filed in the first two cases, but this time Wood was charged with 35 counts of animal abuse. She ultimately pleaded guilty to 35 counts of unhealthy or unsanitary conditions and received only a fine.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa frequently sees such cases. Our animal welfare intervention program assists law enforcement in animal cruelty cases. In 2014 we assisted in 141 cases in 59 Iowa counties.

We also advocate animal welfare issues at the Legislature. We have helped establish laws making animal torture a felony (if only on second offense), making participating in animal fighting a felony offense, allowing state inspection of USDA-licensed commercial dog breeders (the 'puppy mill bill”), and including pets in protective orders in domestic abuse cases.

Still, Iowa has much room to improve. Whether it's the lack of protection for companion animals; fines and jail time that seem too light; plea deals that reduce charges to trivial offenses; or people, once convicted, who reoffend and harm more animals. It all combines to have Iowa listed number 49 in the Animal Legal Defense Fund's 2014 state ranking for animal protection laws.

Law enforcement, prosecutors and judges need to take animal cruelty cases seriously and make effective use of current laws. But also, Iowa's animal cruelty laws need to be improved. Current laws are hindered by inadequate definitions regarding minimum standards of care. They exempt an animal's owner from being charged with abusing the animal. Convicting someone of animal torture requires proving a 'depraved or sadistic intent”. There are few provisions for to help offenders get the mental health help they so frequently need. And there are few provisions regarding restrictions on future animal possession to help ensure a convicted abuser doesn't harm animals again.

We must do better.

If you are interested in helping improve Iowa's animal cruelty laws, please attend our town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 at the Cedar Rapids Public Library downtown to learn how you can help protect Iowa's animals.

' Tom Colvin is executive director of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. Comments: tcolvin@arl-iowa.org