Iowa Federation of Humane Societies

Iowa Federation of Humane Societies Welcome to the official Iowa state group of the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies.

Join this page to learn of the lobbying efforts for animal welfare, in addition to other ways you can speak up for animals.

IN THE NEWS: Council Bluffs City Council votes to keep pit bull ban in place despite pushback from residents"The Council...
06/09/2026

IN THE NEWS: Council Bluffs City Council votes to keep pit bull ban in place despite pushback from residents

"The Council Bluffs City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to keep the city's pit bull ban in place, rejecting a repeal effort backed by residents and the mayor. Cole Button is the one council member who voted in favor of lifting the ban."

The Council Bluffs City Council voted 4-1 to keep its pit bull ban in place, rejecting a repeal effort supported by residents and the city's mayor. Neighbors spoke out against the ban for two hours.

IN THE NEWS: Dog-breeding Iowa veterinarian is sanctioned by a second state licensing board"A southern Iowa veterinarian...
06/01/2026

IN THE NEWS: Dog-breeding Iowa veterinarian is sanctioned by a second state licensing board

"A southern Iowa veterinarian and dog breeder has been sanctioned a second time for unlawfully dispensing significant quantities of a controlled substance.

In September 2025, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy charged Jerry Couchman, an 81-year-old veterinarian from Weldon who practices in and around Appanoose and Decatur counties, with a variety of disciplinary charges tied to the federal Controlled Substances Act."

A southern Iowa veterinarian and dog breeder has been sanctioned a second time for unlawfully dispensing significant quantities of a controlled substance.

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control - Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control to Host Final Community F...
05/31/2026

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control - Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control to Host Final Community Feedback Session on Trap-Neuter-Return Program

"Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control (CRACC) invites community members to participate in a final feedback session as the City moves toward implementing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) / Community Cats program as part of ongoing improvements to Animal Care & Control services.

To gather final input before program recommendations are finalized, CRACC will host an open house on Wednesday, June 10, from 5–7 p.m. at 7241 Washington View Parkway SW."

Join the open house on Wednesday, June 10, from 5–7 p.m. at 7241 Washington View Parkway SW.

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Cedar Bend Humane Society, Inc. - 14 neglected dogs and cats rescued from Waterloo garage"Authoriti...
05/31/2026

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Cedar Bend Humane Society, Inc. - 14 neglected dogs and cats rescued from Waterloo garage

"Authorities discovered the animals after receiving reports of possible neglect at a home on Allen Street. Officers found seven cats and seven dogs in cramped cages, malnourished and in need of medical attention. The animals were taken to the Cedar Bend Humane Society for treatment."

A Waterloo woman is facing animal neglect charges after police found 14 dogs and cats living in unsafe and filthy conditions inside a garage.

IN THE NEWS: Newton City Council Approves One-Year Agreement For Stray Cat Neutering Program"The Newton City Council on ...
05/30/2026

IN THE NEWS: Newton City Council Approves One-Year Agreement For Stray Cat Neutering Program

"The Newton City Council on Monday night, unanimously decided to dedicate $2,500 in animal control funds for a one-year Catch, Neuter, and Return program for stray cats. The program will be run through Lucy’s Pet Pantry, and could be extended if council members see positive results. Terri McKinney, the Board Treasurer and Secretary for the Newton non-profit, has been running this program to reduce the number of stray cats, and first brought up the issue with Newton’s City Council at their May 4th meeting. "

The Newton City Council on Monday night, unanimously decided to dedicate $2,500 in animal control funds for a one-year Catch, Neuter, and Return program for stray cats. The program will be run through Lucy’s Pet Pantry, and

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Animal Rescue League of Iowa - Nearly a dozen equines living in poor conditions rescued, ARL says"I...
05/30/2026

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Animal Rescue League of Iowa - Nearly a dozen equines living in poor conditions rescued, ARL says

"In a Facebook post, the ARL said it assisted law enforcement with rescuing 11 equines from two different locations in central Iowa that were found living in poor conditions."

IOWA — The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said it rescued nearly a dozen equines in central Iowa on Wednesday. In a Facebook post, the ARL said it assisted law enforcement with rescuing 11 equi…

IN THE NEWS: Nebraska Humane Society remembers former president and CEO Judy Varner"The Nebraska Humane Society is remem...
05/21/2026

IN THE NEWS: Nebraska Humane Society remembers former president and CEO Judy Varner

"The Nebraska Humane Society is remembering one of their own.

Former president and CEO Judy Varner passed away last month.

During her time at NHS, Judy helped establish a foundation that supports the Humane Society’s programs and expanded NHS into a larger and more modern facility."

The Nebraska Humane Society is remembering one of their own.

IN THE NEWS: Reptile rescue center faces tragedy as fire kills 20+ animals"Crews are working to recover after a fire spa...
05/21/2026

IN THE NEWS: Reptile rescue center faces tragedy as fire kills 20+ animals

"Crews are working to recover after a fire sparked at Spock’s Sanctuary overnight, claiming the lives of more than 20 reptiles."

Crews are working to recover after a fire sparked at Spock’s Sanctuary overnight, claiming the lives of more than 20 reptiles.

IN THE NEWS: Familiar Cat Cafe announces location in Marion"A feline cafe announced earlier this year is finally waking ...
05/09/2026

IN THE NEWS: Familiar Cat Cafe announces location in Marion

"A feline cafe announced earlier this year is finally waking up after a brief cat nap.

Familiar Cat Cafe, a concept first announced by owner Kat Sung in early 2025, has announced its location. The cafe plans to open at 939 Sixth Ave. in June."

A feline cafe announced earlier this year is finally waking up after a brief cat nap. Familiar Cat Cafe, a concept first announced by owner Kat Sung in early 2025, has announced its location. The cafe plans to open at 939 Sixth Ave. in June.

IN THE NEWS: Animal Rescue League of Iowa to care for beagles rescued from Wisconsin facility"he Animal Rescue League of...
05/03/2026

IN THE NEWS: Animal Rescue League of Iowa to care for beagles rescued from Wisconsin facility

"he Animal Rescue League of Iowa says it is preparing to take in beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that bred dogs for research.

Ridglan Farms forfeited its license in October 2025 to avoid a potential criminal charge. Big Ranch Dog Rescue and the Center for Humane Economy purchased 1,500 dogs from the facility and began removing them today."

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is preparing to take in rescued beagles bred for testing.

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Des Moines, IA

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