The State of Iowa regulates the owning or possessing of exotic or dangerous animals by anyone in the state as per a bill signed on the 25th of May, 2007. This bill covers any of the exotic or dangerous animals that are already in possession by any person on the date bill became effective and also covers any future ownership or possession of exotic or dangerous animals within the State of Iowa.
According to the Iowa Exotic Animal Laws, no one can possess or own a dangerous animal or allow a dangerous animal owned or possessed by an individual to breed in the State of Iowa. Transporting a dangerous animal into the State of Iowa is also prohibited according to 717F.3, the Iowa Exotic Animal Law.
Since this law did not come into effect until it was signed by the Governor of Iowa on May 25, 2007, there were already exotic or dangerous animals in the possession of individuals in the state. The new exotic animal law covers these animals as well by stating that these animals must be owned or possessed by a person who is at least eighteen years of age, that the person in possession or who owns the dangerous or exotic animal must have no convictions of abuse or neglect offenses in any state, city or county. This person can also not been convicted and committed of a felony within the past ten years by any state or federally or been convicted of an offense, be it a misdemeanor or felony, for a controlled substance within the past ten years, either in any state or federally. The owner or the person who possesses a dangerous or exotic animal before this bill was put into place must also have never had a permit or licensed needed for a commercial establishment that breeds and or sales exotic animals suspended.
Owners or individuals who possess these animals must also have them implanted with an electric identification device within sixty days of this Act and no later than December 31,2007, must they have registered with the appropriate department with information including the name, address and telephone number of the responsible person, they should include a sworn affidavit that states that they have met all requirements needed to properly own or possess dangerous or exotic animals and they must submit an complete inventory of all the dangerous or exotic animals that they own or possess. This inventory must include how many animals are included, the electronic device they possess along with the manufacturer’s name and number and the location where the animals are housed.
Other information to be included is the vital statistics of the animals, such as their age, sex, color, identifying marks or scars and their color. The veterinarian who is responsible for the care of these animals must also be named along with contact information for said veterinarian and a signature from the veterinarian along with a statement that says the animal is in good health. A color picture of each dangerous or exotic animal is to be attached to the file along with a copy of the owners current liability insurance policy. After all this paperwork is complete, the owner must submit a registration fee to finish the process. This owner of a dangerous or exotic animal must keep all health and ownership records for the life of the animal and they must keep the animal in an enclosure that is approved by the department. The animal must stay in this enclosure at all times unless they are need to receive veterinary care, if the department has ordered a move or if they have been sold to another owner. There must be a minumum of one sign stating the dangerous animal is on the premises and this sign must have a symbol to warn children of the animal. Should this animal escape, the proper authorities must be notified immediately, this would include the local game warden and the local law enforcement agency.
http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=BillInfo&Service;=Billbook&hbill;=SF564
