IA HF557

Expands the definition of animal torture to include intentionally or knowingly crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling, or otherwise subjecting an animal to serious injury or death

Increases the penalty for animal torture from an aggravated misdemeanor to a class "D" felony, punishable by up to 5 years confinement and fines of $1,025 to $10,245

Elevates the penalty to a class "C" felony for repeat offenders with prior convictions for animal abuse, animal neglect, animal torture, injury to police service dogs, bestiality, or prohibited animal contests

Class "C" felony carries up to 10 years confinement and fines of $1,370 to $13,660

Includes liability for those who cause, direct, or provide anything of value to another person to commit animal torture