Iowa Statewide Rule
Iowa Statewide Dangerous Wild Animal Ban
Key Facts
- Primary Statute
- Iowa Code Ch. 717F
- Effective Year
- 2007
- Enforcing Agency
- Iowa Dept. of Ag
- Penalty Type
- Serious misdemeanor
- Local Override
- Not permitted
Summary
Iowa Code Chapter 717F universally prohibits private ownership of dangerous wild animals including big cats, bears, and most primates. The ban applies statewide regardless of municipal preferences and supersedes local permission.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person shall not do any of the following: 1. Own or possess a dangerous wild animal. 2. Cause or allow a dangerous wild animal owned by a person or in the person's possession to breed. 3. Transport a dangerous wild animal into this state.
Full Breakdown
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 & Penalties
Violations are serious misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000 plus animal forfeiture; subsequent offenses may be aggravated misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Iowa cities permit ownership of banned exotic animals?
What animals are banned under Iowa law?
Sources
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