§ 717F.5 — Seizure, custody, and disposal of dangerous wild animals

Iowa § 717F.5

• Jurisdiction: Iowa
• Title XVI: CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
• Ch. 717F: DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS

Text

1. a. Except as provided in paragraph “b”, the department shall seize a dangerous wild
animal which is in the possession of a person if the person is not in compliance with the
requirements of this chapter.
b. Upon request, the department may provide that the person retain possession of the
dangerous wild animal for not more than fourteen days, upon conditions required by the
department. During that period, the person shall take all necessary actions to comply with
this chapter. The department shall inspect the premises where the dangerous wild animal is
kept during reasonable times to ensure that the person is complying with the conditions.
2. If the person fails to comply with the conditions of the department at any time or is not
5 DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS, §717F.7
in compliance with this chapter following the fourteen-day period, the department shall seize
the dangerous wild animal.
a. The dangerous wild animal shall be considered to be a threatened animal which
has been rescued as provided in chapter 717B. The court may authorize the return of the
dangerous wild animal to the person from whom the dangerous wild animal was seized if
the court finds all of the following:
(1) The person is capable of providing the care required for the dangerous wild animal.
(2) There is a substantial likelihood that the person will provide the care required for the
dangerous wild animal.
(3) The dangerous wild animal has not been abused, neglected, or tortured, as provided
in chapter 717B.
b. If the court orders a permanent disposition of the dangerous wild animal, the
dangerous wild animal shall be subject to disposition as provided in section 717B.4 and the
responsible party shall be assessed costs associated with its seizure, custody, and disposition
as provided in that section. The department may find long-term placement for the dangerous
wild animal with a wildlife sanctuary or institution accredited or certified by the American
zoo and aquarium association.