Bipartisan bill SF 2099—passed unanimously by the Iowa House and through Senate committees—awaits a full Senate floor vote before the session adjourns
DES MOINES, Iowa (April 20, 2026)—A new statewide poll commissioned by Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, finds that 59% of Iowa registered voters would be less likely to support a state senator who opposes or holds up a bill making intentional animal torture a felony on the first offense. Even more striking: 72% say they would be more likely to support a state senator who supports the bill—a finding that cuts sharply across party lines.
Republican voters are the most favorable on the bill with 77% saying they would be more likely to support a state senator who supports the bill. That strong majority of Republicans is joined by 71% of Democrats and 64% of nonpartisan voters.
The accountability finding comes from a direct question to Iowa voters: If their senator was one of those opposing or holding up the bill, would they be more or less likely to support that senator? Results show 59% said less likely, including 58% of Republicans, 60% of Democrats and 59% of nonpartisan voters.
“These results clearly show Iowa voters care deeply about animal cruelty as an issue, and members of the state senate would be well-advised to listen to their constituents,” said Brad Pyle, political director for Humane World Action Fund. “Opponents of this broadly supported legislation will pay a heavy price at the ballot box if they continue blocking this bill.”
SF 2099 passed the Iowa State House unanimously in March. It also advanced unanimously through a Senate subcommittee and the full Senate Judiciary Committee. It carries bipartisan support and is supported by law enforcement organizations including the Iowa Fraternal Order of Police, the Iowa Police Chiefs Association, and the Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association, as well as the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, domestic violence advocates, and a broad coalition of animal welfare organizations.
Not a single group has registered in opposition.
The bill would make intentional animal torture a Class D felony on the first offense—consistent with the laws of all 49 other states. Iowa is the only state that still treats extreme animal cruelty as a misdemeanor.
“Iowa is the only state in the union that does not make intentional animal torture a first-offense felony,” said Preston Moore, Iowa state director for Humane World Action Fund. “This commonsense legislation is supported by law enforcement and would put Iowa’s laws in line with the other 49 states.”
Poll Methodology: Survey conducted April 13 through April 16, 2026. 600 likely 2026 election voters participated in the survey. Survey weighted to match likely 2026 General Election turnout demographics. Margin of Error is +/- 4% with a 95% level of confidence.
Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo; ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org; 240-472-0475
