HF 651: Relating to the ownership of dogs, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions

What it does

This bill relates to the ownership of dogs. Under current law, a dog is deemed property if the dog is under six months of age or if the dog is at least six months of age and wearing a collar with a valid rabies vaccination tag attached to the collar. A person is prohibited from owning or having in possession a dog that is at least six months of age if the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies. The bill instead states that a dog is deemed property if the dog is less than four months of age or certain evidence exists to demonstrate ownership.

House subcommittee · named February 8, 2023

• Rep. Jacob Bossman (R) · jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R) · taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Eric J. Gjerde (D) · eric.gjerde@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 4 against

For: Animal Rescue League Iowa, Inc.; Dog Daycare Coalition; Iowa Veterinary Medical Association; The Humane Society of the United States

Against: American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA); DogsBite.org; Iowa League of Cities; Responsible Citizens for Public Safety

In plain words

1. February 8, 2023Filed in the House and sent to the State Government committee · as HSB 152
2. February 8, 2023House subcommittee named: Bossman, Collins and Gjerde · as HSB 152
3. February 23, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 152
4. March 2, 2023Approved by the House committee · as HSB 152
5. March 7, 2023Filed in the House
6. March 7, 2023Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 651 · as HSB 152
7. April 11, 2023Passed the House, 82–16
8. April 12, 2023Arrived in the Senate
9. June 5, 2023Sent to the Senate State Government committee