Iowa has become the final state in the country to make animal torture a felony on the first offense. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 2348 at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines, Iowa Capital Dispatch reports.

The new law creates a Class D felony for intentional, willful, and malicious torture of a companion animal. That includes acts such as mutilation, poisoning, drowning, starvation, or conduct that causes intense or prolonged pain or death. Repeat offenders can face a Class C felony, according to People.

Iowa has made animal torture a felony on the first offense.

A First Offense Can Now Bring Prison Time

Under the new penalties, a first conviction can bring up to five years in prison and a fine of more than $10,000, Radio Iowa reports. The change marks a sharp break from prior law, which treated animal torture as an aggravated misdemeanor for a first offense, according to the Animal Legal & Historical Center.

The law focuses on companion animals, not livestock. It also does not expand penalties for every form of neglect, KCRG reports. Advocates still describe it as a major shift because it targets deliberate, severe acts of violence against pets.

The new law closes a gap that left Iowa behind every other state.

Ember’s Injuries Put A Face On The Bill

At the signing, advocates pointed to Ember, a puppy rescued in March after she was found badly injured. The Animal Rescue League said she had a broken leg, fractured jaw, eye trauma, bruising, and swelling, with injuries consistent with repeated physical force, Iowa’s News Now reports.

Ember later recovered and appeared at the bill signing. Her case became a visible example of the suffering the law is meant to address. KCCI reports that Animal Rescue League leaders had pushed for tougher penalties for years.

The law applies to intentional torture of companion animals.

Voters And Advocates Backed The Change

The bill also carried broad public pressure. A statewide poll commissioned before passage found 72% of Iowa voters said they would be more likely to support a senator who backed a first-offense felony bill, Humane World Action Fund reports.

Animal welfare groups framed the law as a needed accountability tool. In Defense of Animals said the change gives law enforcement and courts stronger means to address serious cruelty. For Iowa pets, the legal floor has finally moved.

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