Providing that a person does not commit animal abuse by acting in a manner consistent with customary animal practices

This bill amends a provision in Code chapter 717B, which prohibits the mistreatment of animals.2). A person commits this offense when intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly acting to inflict injury, serious injury, or death on an animal by force, violence, or poisoning. The bill provides that the offense does not include an act conducted in a manner that is consistent with customary animal husbandry practices.3A).1(1)). A number of provisions apply to exempt certain persons from the offense of animal abuse, including conduct by a veterinarian; a person acting in order to carry out another provision of law allowing such conduct; a person taking, hunting, or trapping wildlife; a person acting to defend the person or the person’s property; a local authority, such as a county, acting to destroy an animal for humane purposes; a research facility; and a commercial establishment acting to care for an animal in accordance with an applicable standard of care. A person who commits animal abuse is subject to a range of penalties, including a serious misdemeanor, aggravated misdemeanor, or class “D” felony, depending upon the severity of the animal’s injury caused by the mistreatment and whether the person previously committed an offense involving the mistreatment of an animal. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245.