It is unlawful for a person who owns, or has custody of, an animal, and confines that animal, to fail to provide the animal with any of the following conditions for the animal's welfare:
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 717B.3)
A. Access to food in an amount and quality reasonably sufficient to satisfy the animal's basic nutrition level to the extent that the animal's health or life is endangered.
B. Access to a supply of potable water in an amount reasonably sufficient to satisfy the animal's basic hydration level to the extent that the animal's health or life is endangered. Access to snow or ice does not satisfy this requirement.
C. Sanitary conditions free from excessive animal waste or the overcrowding of animals to the extent that the animal's health or life is endangered.
D. Ventilated shelter reasonably sufficient to provide adequate protection from the elements and weather conditions suitable for the age, species, and physical condition of the animal so as to maintain the animal in a state of good health to the extent that the animal's health or life is endangered. The shelter must protect the animal from wind, rain, snow, or sun and have adequate bedding to provide reasonable protection against cold and dampness. A shelter may include a residence, garage, barn, shed, or doghouse.
E. Grooming, to the extent it is reasonably necessary to prevent adverse health effects or suffering.
F. Veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to relieve an animal's distress from any of the following:
(1) A condition caused by failing to provide for the animal's welfare as described in this subsection.
(2) An injury or illness suffered by the animal causing the animal to suffer prolonged pain and suffering.