ARL Humane Action Network

IN THE NEWS: DC - Controversial Farm Bill measure targeting state animal laws heads to Senate showdown

"Animal welfare advocates are preparing for a fight in the US Senate where the new Farm Bill will be taken up in the next couple months, bringing with it a contentious provision that would undo state measures to protect livestock."

https://www.thenewlede.org/2026/05/farm-bill-save-our-bacon-livestock-cafos/

IN THE NEWS: IA - Advocates seek Iowa felony charge for pet torture

"Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot, a Republican from Ankeny, has been working on the legislation in the Senate.

'I think there’s broad support for the idea that we need to protect animals and especially pets, from heinous abuse,” Bousselot said. “There’s also the common sense perspective that a Class D felony needs to meet the crime and that it needs to be in balance with the entire perspective on criminal justice, which is to say protecting people and punishing violent crimes.'

Bousselot said he believes the bill is important — and is conveying that to his fellow Republican senators — to not only protect animals, but also Iowans, given the research that shows animal abuse can be a precursor to violence against humans."

Advocates seek Iowa felony charge for pet torture Advocates say Iowa is the only state in which animal cruelty isn’t a felony on first offense; they hope support from law enforcement helps change that