SF 234: Relating to the ownership of dogs, and making penalties applicable

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.

Senate subcommittee · named February 14, 2023

• Sen. Chris Cournoyer (R)
• Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink (R) · tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Janice Weiner (D) · janice.weiner@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 Senate and sent to the State Government committee
2. February 8, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Cournoyer, Driscoll and Weiner
3. February 14, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Cournoyer, Kraayenbrink and Weiner