A bill for an act relating to animal torture, and providing penalties.

HF 2348 redefines animal torture in Iowa to include intentional acts like crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, or impaling animals, causing serious injury or death. It increases penalties from an aggravated misdemeanor to a class D felony (up to 5 years in prison and $10,245 fine) for first offenses, and to a class C felony (up to 10 years and $13,660 fine) for repeat offenders with prior convictions for related offenses like animal abuse, neglect, or prohibited animal contests. The bill directly affects individuals who commit animal torture, with harsher penalties applying if they have a prior record of animal-related crimes. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and is pending further action.