Many states have started to crack down on animal abusers during the past several years in an effort to create a safer environment for pets. Massachusetts has been one of the most heavily involved participants in the movement, setting the bar very high for the rest of the nation. 

The movement in Massachusetts was sparked after an animal abuse case known as “Puppy Doe.” A female pit bull was found outside a playground in Quincy, Mass., in 2013. The dog was severely beaten and had been starved for a prolonged length of time. Her wounds were so severe that veterinarians were forced to euthanize her. 

The case incited the state to reevaluate its punishments for animal abusers and sparked a change in how these cases are to be handled in the future.

The Massachusetts legislature redefined chapter 293 of session law, concerning animal welfare and safety, in August 2014. These changes included an increase of prison time from two and a half years to seven years for first offenders, and up to 10 years for repeat offenders. Fines for animal abuse also increased from $2,500 to $5,000 for first-time offenders, and $10,000 for repeat abusers.

Veterinarians were also made mandatory reporters of cases that may seem to be putting the animal in danger, and receive punishment if they fail to do so. 

However, Massachusetts did not think this was enough, and it is currently trying to pass a proposal that would require animal abusers to be named on a registry, much like the way sex offenders are listed. 

The registry would not be made public information, but all pet shops, shelters and breeders would have access to the names, photos and addresses of all known abusers. This would help to ensure that each animal that is adopted would find a safe home, as sellers would be required to check the list before letting the pet leave with their new owner.

Other states, including New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan, are following suit and proposing their own pet registry. Some states, such as Tennessee, have already passed such bills and have a registry currently in effect.

It is time Iowa steps up to the plate as well.

Iowa law concerning animal abuse is relaxed compared to that of Massachusetts. Iowa’s legislation clause concerning animal abuse is, “a person is guilty of animal abuse if the person intentionally injures, maims, disfigures or destroys an animal owned by another person, in any manner, including intentionally poisoning the animal.”

Animal abuse should be considered wrongful abuse whether or not the attacker owns the animal.

Iowa’s clause on animal abuse is not only choosing to be oblivious of the fact that owners can abuse their own pets but also hands out minor punishments for people who do abuse animals. 

The fine for animal abuse in Iowa is as low as $500 and two years in prison. The fine for animal abandonment is as meager as a $50 fine and 30 days in a state prison. Animal torture, which does include a pet’s owner, also can have a fine as small as $500 and a two-year prison sentence along with psychological treatment for first-time offenders.

While it is positive that punishments are being enforced in Iowa, these penalties are the equivalent of a slap on the wrist or a timeout that will do nothing to hinder someone from repeatedly harming an innocent animal. The Animal Legal Defense Fund ranks Iowa as the 49th worst state for animal protection laws, ahead of only Kentucky.

Iowa pet owners are allowed to keep their pets after being convicted of animal abuse or pet cruelty, which completely undermines any sort of monetary punishment. There is also no restriction of future pet purchases by a convicted individual, and there is no increase in an individual’s penalty when multiple animals have been abused. These are just a few of the many reasons Iowa has been ranked so low on its protection of animals. And it needs to change.  

Animals are creatures that need protective rights against human abuse, and states like Massachusetts understand the importance of having strict, protective laws regarding animal abuse. It is time that Iowa reforms its laws and steps up to the plate to save the innocent lives of pets that are being tormented every day.