Iowa State Laws

Here are sources for Iowa's animal-welfare laws:

Iowa Code 162: THE CARE OF ANIMALS IN COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, applies to commercial animal establishments which are licensed by the state of Iowa. USDA commercial licensed breeders are not beholden to this code.

Administrative Code 67 applies to Iowa Code 162. These are the rules that the Iowa Department of Agriculture inspectors look for state licensed breeders to adhere to. View Administrative Code 67
Within Code 162, 162.11 specifies an exception which applies to USDA licensed commercial facilities, meaning that Iowa Code 162/Administrative Code 67 is not enforceable in those establishments. The code reads:

Iowa Code 162.11(2) Applicability to federally licensed facilities: Other than obtaining the certificate of registration from the secretary, any dealer or commercial breeder, and any person who operates a commercial kennel or public auction under a current and valid federal license shall not be subject to further regulation.

This is the reason the state Department of Agriculture does not inspect these facilities and why Iowa Law Enforcement personnel are not willing to pursue action against USDA commercial dog breeding facilities!

However there is another Iowa law, Iowa Code 717B, Injury to Animals other than Livestock, which addresses animal abuse and neglect and no exemptions apply.

Iowa Code 717B: INJURY TO ANIMALS OTHER THAN LIVESTOCK

Our law enforcement community should be encouraged to consider referring to this code when responding to complaints against USDA commercial dog breeders.