Iowa Federation of Humane Societies

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Iowa Federation of Humane Societies

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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.

10/25/2026

SHELTER IN THE NEWS: Heartland Humane Society - Heartland Humane secures 29 kennels ahead of winter

"Heartland Humane Society has a new space for dogs ahead of winter.

Dogs at the shelter had been living outside.

'I refuse to do that. If we get to a point where that has to happen, there’s a serious problem,' assistant manager Courtney Monohon said."

Heartland Humane Society has a new space for dogs ahead of winter.

10/24/2026

IN THE NEWS: IA - U.S. Department of Agriculture argues it’s not required to enforce Animal Welfare Act

"Less than two weeks after the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the agency was stepping up enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act, the USDA’s lawyers are arguing in court that it’s not required to enforce that law.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed a lawsuit against the USDA in September 2024, challenging its past decisions to license three Iowa dog breeders — Steve Kruse, Brian Lichirie and Wuanita Swedlund."

Lawyers for the USDA are arguing in court that the agency is not required to enforce the federal Animal Welfare Act.

10/17/2026

IN THE NEWS: Indianola City Council Holds First Consideration for Animal Protection and Control Code

"The Indianola City Council held a first consideration for an animal protection and control code at their meeting Monday. Indianola City Manager Jake Meshke says the code would establish a trap, neuter and release program."

The Indianola City Council held a first consideration for an animal protection and control code at their meeting Monday. Indianola City Manager Jake Meshke says the code would establish a trap, neuter and release program. “This establishes

10/17/2026

IN THE NEWS: Iowa woman charged after decomposing pets found in apartment, court docs say

"A Marion County woman is facing charges after law enforcement said they found her pets decomposing inside an apartment.

Brooklynn Chelca Elizabeth Showers, 32, was arrested on Friday and charged with two counts of animal neglect with serious injury or death."

MARION COUNTY, Iowa — A Marion County woman is facing charges after law enforcement said they found her pets decomposing inside an apartment. Brooklynn Chelca Elizabeth Showers, 32, was arres…

10/09/2026

IN THE NEWS: USDA says it will be cracking down on dog breeders in Iowa and elsewhere

"U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins appeared at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa this week to tout the agency’s efforts to shut down puppy mills in Iowa and other states.

While at the ARL on Tuesday, Rollins said although the USDA inspectors used to visit a facility, cite violations, and then leave, 'those days are over. We are now in the active process of shutting down these puppy mills.'"

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins appeared in Iowa this week to tout the agency’s efforts to shut down puppy mills.

10/09/2026

IN THE NEWS: Ottumwa Kitten Project facing funding challenges as it reaches 500-cat milestone

"The Ottumwa Kitten Project just reached the milestone of spaying and neutering 500 community cats — and at the same time, it’s also run into a funding problem.

Administrators announced that they reached 502 cats on Oct. 2. The project’s mission is to spay and neuter local stray cats in order to keep the number of kittens being born outdoors to a minimum, and it runs on community donations."

OTTUMWA, Iowa - The Ottumwa Kitten Project just reached the milestone of spaying and neutering 500 community cats — and at the same time, it’s also run into a funding

10/06/2026

IN THE NEWS: Parvovirus cases dropping in Omaha area

"Parvovirus cases among dogs continue to fall in the Omaha area following a recent national trend.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published results of a study in early September that show cases of parvo in the U.S., among some 10,000 dogs that visited pet hospitals, dropped by at least 85% over the period from 2010 to 2022."

Parvo cases decreasing in dogs as rescue groups increase virus prevention

10/06/2026

IN THE NEWS: Cedar Rapids City Council advances ‘community cat’ proposal

"The city of Cedar Rapids has taken the first step toward implementing a new “community cat” program.

Cedar Rapids City Council members on Tuesday gave preliminary approval for a wide swath of updates to the city code about stray cats and other animals in what was the first of three votes on the updated language."

Updated code language would formally allow for trap-neuter-return efforts to reduce stray cat populations.

09/28/2026

IN THE NEWS: ARL caring for nearly 400 neglected animals after Marshall County rescue; horse, chickens euthanized

"The ARL’s rescue team worked into the evening, making multiple trips to bring animals to the organization’s Second Chance Ranch and Rescue Intake & Rehabilitation Center. Colvin said the ARL had been near capacity after a year of frequent large-scale intakes. The ranch, which the organization bought two years ago, helped make room for the rescued animals.

About 200 chickens were among those taken in. Colvin said many had mites and were thin, missing feathers, with some depleted of body fat. Staff treated the chickens for mites and are providing food and water as they regain strength."

The Animal Rescue League is caring for hundreds of animals rescued from a Marshall County property. Now, it needs supplies and volunteers to help with their recovery.

09/26/2026

OPINION: 60 years of the Animal Welfare Act and dogs are still suffering

"The federal government should prevent these horrific outcomes, not allow animals to continue in these conditions for months if not years.

The Department of Agriculture licensed Iowa breeder Wuanita Swedlund three years ago. In the time since, the agency documented dogs at her facility suffering from untreated illnesses, painful injuries, and a lack of basic care, leading to multiple deaths. But the department chose to do nothing. It did not fine her, remove any dogs, or take her license away."

ASPCA senior vice president Nancy Perry argues that Congress must pass Goldie’s Act to address the USDA’s chronic failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and protect dogs from systemi…

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http://www.iafedhumanesocieties.org/

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