Iowa Department Agriculture Releases Animal Welfare Handbook for Law Enforcement

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has developed a comprehensive animal welfare handbook to assist law enforcement agencies, county attorneys, and local officials in effectively responding to animal welfare complaints. The handbook provides clear, species-specific, and science-based standards of care along with agency-specific roles and regulatory jurisdictions under Iowa Code, aiming to streamline investigations and improve collaboration among involved parties. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig emphasized the department's commitment to animal safety and the need for coordinated responses, highlighting that the handbook equips partners statewide with essential tools. Animal advocate Mindi Callison praised the handbook as a practical and accessible resource, noting its plain language makes it easier for law enforcement to act without navigating complex legal codes, contrasting it with the more technical U.S. Department of Agriculture handbook. The guide also advises on advanced planning, including identifying temporary housing options and fostering partnerships with local veterinarians and response agencies to ensure better outcomes. IDALS will host a webinar on May 28 to provide an overview of the handbook and support its implementation across Iowa.