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

HF 2521: Relating to the abandonment of cats and dogs including delivery to an animal shelter or pound, and making penalties applicable

Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

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

Can’t be estimated

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…

Senate subcommittee · named February 25, 2026

Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Lynn Evans (R) · lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach (D) · herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Animal Rescue League Iowa, Inc.

In plain words

February 16, 2026Filed in the House
February 20, 2026Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
February 23, 2026Passed the House, 89–0
February 24, 2026Arrived in the Senate
February 25, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Webster, Evans and Quirmbach
March 10, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
March 12, 2026Approved by the Senate committee