In 2023, the Iowa House passed House File 651. This bill would end breed bans in the state of Iowa... but first the Iowa Senate must pass the bill.

This legislation does the following:

1. Removes language in Iowa code that requires law enforcement to shoot dogs not wearing a rabies tag. (The new language will provide law enforcement with more flexibility.)

2. Adds additional ways to determine if a dog is someone’s property. (Current code technically only allows rabies tags to be used. The new language includes things like microchips, vet records, ear tattoos, etc.)

3. Lowers the required rabies age for dogs from six months to four months. (This is in line with public health recommendations and was requested by the IA Dept of Ag.)

4. Clarifies that local communities and counties may enact ordinances and laws that apply to all dogs, but that they may not enact breed-specific legislation (or breed bans). (Over the last decade, the number of communities with breed specific legislation has shrunk to less than 9% of Iowa communities.)

How you can help:

Contact your state senator today and ask them to support House File 651. (This legislation has already passed in the House. Now it's the Senate's turn!)

Not sure how to find your legislators? It’s super easy! Click the link below and enter your address information. This will automatically direct you to a list of who to call or email.

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find