Iowans have been asking for stronger protections for pets for many years, and it remains a consistent priority in conversations at town halls, in emails, and across communities. As both a dog owner and breeder, I understand the importance of clear, effective safeguards against cruelty, neglect, and other violations. I’m proud to have led the charge in the Iowa House, and this session the House delivered on our promises with a package of common-sense bills that put animal welfare at the forefront. Now it’s time for my colleagues in the Iowa Senate to finish the job and send these measures to the governor’s desk.
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Start with HF 2348, the Animal Torture Bill I sponsored alongside Rep. Carter Nordman. Its Senate companion, SF 2099, comes from Assistant Majority Leader Lynn Evans. This narrowly focused legislation upgrades extreme acts of cruelty — crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, or impaling a pet — to a Class “D” felony (or Class “C” for repeat offenders). It mirrors the federal Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act that President Donald Trump signed into law in 2019. At the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, President Trump captured it perfectly: “We have a responsibility to honor the dignity of God’s creation.” Mississippi became the 49th state to enact felony animal cruelty laws in 2020; we might be last, but we need to set this right.
This bill doesn’t touch farming practices or most Iowans’ daily lives. It targets the worst abuse against pets – actual and intentional torture. It has broad, bipartisan support from animal advocates, law enforcement, veterinarians, and even human victim advocacy groups who know how often animal cruelty signals larger patterns of violence. The House passed HF 2348 unanimously. That kind of unity shows we’re listening to Iowans.
Next, I introduced HF 2298 which was shaped through extensive conversations with breeders, veterinarians, animal‐welfare advocates, and other stakeholders. Their feedback highlighted outdated provisions, unnecessary burdens, and areas where clearer authority would improve
compliance and animal well‐being. The bill strengthens inspection authority, codifies current practices, and allows IDALS to act on federal USDA inspection findings so the state can respond quickly when animals may be at risk. These changes create clearer standards, more efficient oversight, and a flexible framework that frees up resources while still ensuring appropriate consequences when violations occur. HF 2674 strikes the right balance—supporting responsible breeders while maintaining strong oversight to protect animals and ensure responsible operations. By modernizing inspections and ensuring problematic facilities, including federally licensed ones, can be reviewed promptly, HF 2298 targets documented issues, raises standards across Iowa’s dog industry, and reinforces consumer confidence by ensuring that when credible inspectors identify problems, Iowa follows up. This bill passed the House 88-3.
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Third, HF 2190 is a bill that clarifies how we determine ownership of lost or stray dogs. Current law leans heavily on rabies tags and collars — items many responsible pet owners skip because microchips and other modern IDs work better. This bill expands the ways we can identify owners so shelters and law enforcement can reunite pets faster and crack down on theft. Pet theft is real, and too many families have suffered when a beloved dog simply disappears. Making the law match common-sense practice will help return pets home and deter criminals.
Finally, an honorable mention to my colleague Rep. Brett Barker and the constituents who brought him the issue behind HF 2521 on animal abandonment. Iowa law already prohibits dumping dogs or cats at shelters, but some people have tried skirting the rules by leaving animals in the parking lot. This clarification closes that loophole and ensures accountability. It’s a small but meaningful fix that protects both animals and the dedicated shelter staff who serve our communities.
These bills are common sense protections for Iowa pets — they’re targeted, practical, and long overdue. The Iowa House has shown leadership by passing them with strong support. Now the Senate has the opportunity to join us in protecting God’s creation, honoring Iowa families, and delivering on what our constituents have asked for. Iowans deserve a government that keeps its promises. Let’s get these bills across the finish line!
Samantha Fett is a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from District 22.
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