The Iowa Senate just voted unanimously — every single member, Democrat and Republican — to make animal torture a felony. Now it's up to the Iowa House to finish the job.

House File 2348 would make it a serious crime to intentionally mutilate, burn, poison, drown, starve, or cause prolonged suffering to a companion animal. Right now, that same behavior is only a misdemeanor in Iowa. That's not enough.

This isn't just about protecting pets. The FBI and the National Sheriffs Association have both documented the link between animal torture and future violent crimes against people — including assault, domestic violence, and worse. When we fail to treat animal torture as the serious crime it is, we leave a warning sign ignored.

Iowa lawmakers on both sides of the aisle already agree. The House passed an earlier version of this bill unanimously in March. The Senate passed its version unanimously this week. There is no reason to wait.

We're asking the Iowa House of Representatives to accept the Senate's amendments and send this bill to the governor's desk without delay. Animals can't speak for themselves. They and their owners deserve the protection that comes from taking this crime seriously.

Sign this petition to tell Iowa House members: finish what you started. Pass HF 2348 now.