In 49 States it is a felony for animal abuse and neglect but the state of Iowa doesn't have it as a felony.

Since animals can't speak for them self they need us to speak for them.

The Animal Rescue League of Harlan has had cases with animals being abused and neglected. We got a 4 week old kitten that was thrown from a moving car. 4 dogs that had no food or water and no owner around. 2 cats left for days with no food or water in the house for them. with all these cases NOTHING was done to the owners of these animals by the police or the Sheriff's office. There are animals that have been dropped off in the county expecting the farmers to take care of them, but when the police are called they don't do anything about it because there hands are tied with the laws that are in place now.

This doesn't just happen to cat's and dog's  there are farm animals that need help as well. The rescue has been called on several cases of farm animal neglect. The police have the same issue with these animals because of the laws the way thay are right now.

Rescue's and shelters are doing everything they can to help every animal to be safe, fed and from harms way. 

So if it is a felony then the owners will have to pay for what they did to the animal. Also the police and Sheriff's office can press charges on the owners and get justice for the animals.