Iowa Statewide Dangerous Wild Animal Ban

Iowa Code Chapter 717F, enacted in 2007, prohibits possession of dangerous wild animals including non-native big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles. The law was passed in response to growing concerns about exotic pet ownership and applies uniformly across all 99 counties. Persons who lawfully owned such animals before the effective date could register them and continue ownership under strict containment requirements. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship enforces the registration provisions. Local governments cannot authorize possession of animals banned under Chapter 717F, though they may enact additional restrictions on non-prohibited species.

Violations are serious misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000 plus animal forfeiture; subsequent offenses may be aggravated misdemeanors.