Iowa

Summary: The following statutes comprise the state's relevant assistance animal and guide dog laws.

Summary: This Iowa statute allows for the creation of a trust for the continuing care of animal living at the settlor's death (note that the actual text does not state "domestic" or "pet" animal).  This type of trust, allowed generally through the provisions for lawful noncharitable trusts, is valid for up to twenty-one years, whether or not the terms of the trust contemplates a longer duration.  The trust terminates when when no living animal is covered by its terms.

Summary: Under this Iowa statute, a person who owns or controls by lease or otherwise for five or more years, a contiguous tract of land having an area of not less than three hundred twenty acres, and who desires to establish a hunting preserve to propagate and sell game birds and their young or unhatched eggs, and shoot game birds and ungulates on the land, can apply to the state for an operator's license.   The commission reviews the application to determine, among other things, that allowance of the license is not detrimental to wildlife and does not interfere with migratory bird activity.

Summary: Iowa law sets out the definitions related to endangered species.  It also provides a list of prohibited acts related to these species, including any taking, transporting, purchasing or selling of the species or their parts.  An exception is listed for damage to property or human life, provided a permit is secured first.

Summary: The City of Sioux City, Iowa makes it unlawful to own, transport, or sell any pit bull, with exceptions.  Pit bulls currently and continuously registered, licensed, properly confined and cared for are exempt from the ban, but a failure to maintain its status immediately removes its exemption. The poundmaster is authorized to immediately impound any pit bull that does not fall within one of the exceptions and is mandated to destroy the pit bull within ten calendar days.

Summary: In Ottumwa, Iowa, no person shall keep, shelter, or harbor pit bull terriers, with exceptions, because they are deemed to be dangerous. A violation is a simple misdemeanor resulting in a minimum fine of $100. The prohibition does not apply to dogs participating in a dog show (if properly restrained) or being treated at a veterinary hospital.

Summary: In Maquoketa, Iowa, it shall be unlawful for any person, from and after six (6) months following the passage and publication of this ordinance, to keep, maintain, or have in his or her possession or under his or her control, within the city limits of the City of Maquoketa, Iowa, a pit bull terrier, as defined in this section.

Summary: In Council Bluffs, Iowa, it is unlawful to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell any pit bull. There are exceptions for dogs already licensed if the owner meets certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, maintaining liability insurance of at least $100,000, the dog is sterilized and microchipped, the dog is confined and there is a "PIT BULL DOG" sign. Failure by the owner to comply shall subject the pit bull to immediate impoundment and disposal.

Summary: State of Iowa sued the owner of a hog confinement operation for violations of manure disposal and animal control regulations.

Summary: The court held that a statutory immunity provision designed to protect farming operations from nuisance litigation constituted a taking under the Fifth Amendment because the right to maintain an action for nuisance at common law was considered an easement.