91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

HF 2157: Relating to the abandonment of cats and dogs including delivery to an animal shelter or pound, and making penalties applicable

Became HF 2521 · Its progress continues under the new number.

What it does

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.

Cost

See the 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 De…

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2026

Rep. Blaine C. Watkins (R) · blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Bob Henderson (R) · robert.henderson@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Amy Nielsen (D) · amy.nielsen@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Animal Rescue League Iowa, Inc.

In plain words

January 26, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Local Government committee
February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Watkins, Henderson and Nielsen
February 5, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
February 10, 2026Approved by the House committee
February 10, 2026Committee vote: 21–0
February 16, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2521
March 2, 2026Withdrawn