Updated 1/18/18. Iowa ranks 49th in the nation for the effectiveness of our animal cruelty laws. Too often we see cases where the penalties don’t seem to “fit the crime”, due to lax enforcement, generous plea deals, and weak sentencing. SF421 is the result of lessons learned by law enforcement, prosecutors, and a survey of best practices across the nation.
VIDEOS: Get a behind-the-scenes look at different areas and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The segments cover information about cruelty intervention, adoption and foster, the ARL’s new Clowder House for cats, and our medical suite.
UPDATE 12/01/17: The issue has been delayed in the city council, so discussion will be at a later date. We’ll update you when we know anything more. — The Des Moines City Council is considering a proposed change to the current urban chicken ordinance. The city council will be discussing the proposed ordinance at the council meeting on Monday, December 4 at 4:30 at 1551 E. MLK Jr. Pkwy. Those who are interested in commenting, are encouraged to attend.
The Polk County Health Department, the National Weather Service, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, The Salvation Army and Polk County Emergency Management are recognizing Thursday, June 8, 2017 as Iowa Heat Awareness Day.
UPDATED 09/25/17: The remaining members of the ARL Mobile Rescue team are now back in Des Moines after a 9 day deployment to help at the ASPCA’s emergency animal shelter. With them, they brought 35 dogs to enter our adoption program and find forever homes.
With the recent legalization of fireworks in Iowa and the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s more important now than ever to make sure your pet is safe and calm during fireworks displays.
Pet Travel Safety Day is January 2, so the ARL has a few tips to ensure safe travels on your next trip.
Friends, bonfires, and fireworks make for a great 4th of July celebration, but keep your pet’s safety in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday:
Temperatures this week are expected to near 100 degrees with heat indexes reaching triple digits. Take extra precautions to keep animals safe:
Every summer, hundreds of cats and dogs die needlessly after they are left inside cars. During this time of year, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) receives about 5 calls each day alerting us to pets locked in cars.
