Relating to the abandonment of cats and dogs including delivery to an animal shelter or pound, and making penalties applicable

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 26, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 10, 2026
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 23, 202689–0
5. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 12, 2026
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2521 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2521 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to the abandonment of cats and dogs including delivery to an animal shelter or pound. The bill provides that in order for the delivery of a cat or dog to an animal shelter or pound to be an exception to abandonment of the cat or dog, an employee or volunteer of the animal shelter or pound must physically accept the delivery of the animal. A person committing animal abandonment faces criminal charges ranging from a simple misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor depending on the status of the animal.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named February 3, 2026. On February 5, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Blaine C. Watkins REmail
• Rep. Bob Henderson REmail
• Rep. Amy Nielsen DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Fiscal note

The fiscal impact of the Bill cannot be determined, but is anticipated to be minimal. Figure 2 shows the average State cost per relevant offense. The estimated impact to the General Fund includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the DOC. The costs would be incurred across multiple fiscal years for prison and parole supervision.

• Abandonment of Cats and Dogs, Delivery to Shelters · February 20, 2026

Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§717B.8

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.