The City of Clinton would like to inform residents about significant changes to Iowa’s animal cruelty laws that took effect on July 1, 2026, following the passage of Ember’s Law (HF 2348).
The new legislation strengthens protections for companion animals and increases penalties for individuals who commit severe acts of animal cruelty.
Under Ember’s Law, intentional animal torture is now classified as a Class D felony on a first offense, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines exceeding $10,000. The law defines animal torture as intentionally and maliciously causing severe pain, injury, or death to a companion animal through acts such as mutilation, burning, poisoning, drowning, or starvation.
The law also imposes stronger consequences for repeat offenders. Individuals with prior convictions related to animal abuse, neglect, torture, animal fighting, bestiality, or harming a police service dog may face Class C felony charges for subsequent offenses.
In addition to Ember’s Law, Iowa’s animal cruelty statutes continue to address a range of offenses, including:
Animal Abuse – Intentionally or recklessly injuring or killing an animal through force, violence, or poisoning.
Animal Neglect – Failing to provide an animal with necessary care, food, water, shelter, or medical attention.
Animal Torture – Deliberately inflicting severe, prolonged, or repeated pain resulting in serious injury or death.
Animal Abandonment – Relinquishing responsibility for the care of a cat or dog.
Residents should also be aware that Iowa law requires the reporting of suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control authorities. Prompt reporting can help protect animals from ongoing abuse and ensure appropriate intervention.
Individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses may face both criminal and civil consequences, including fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of animals, and court-ordered restrictions on future animal ownership.
The City of Clinton encourages residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of animal abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Protecting animals is a community responsibility, and these new legal protections provide additional tools to hold offenders accountable and promote animal welfare throughout Iowa.
For information on reporting suspected animal cruelty within the City of Clinton, contact the Clinton Police Department or Clinton Animal Control at (563) 242-9211.
