Opinion ID: 2023858
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Neglect Statute.

Text: The statutory definitions of animal neglect, procedures for seizing the animals, and provisions for their disposition are found in Iowa Code chapter 717B. Iowa Code section 717B.3 defines the offense of neglect and provides for criminal punishment: 1. A person who impounds or confines, in any place, an animal is guilty of animal neglect, if the person does any of the following: fails to supply the animal during confinement with a sufficient quantity of food or water ... or tortures, deprives of necessary sustenance, mutilates, beats, or kills an animal by any means which causes unjustified pain, distress, or suffering. Section 717B.3 provides for criminal penalties, but no criminal charges are involved in this appeal. Further, Kriz does not challenge the court's finding of neglect, so the only issue is whether the court's order that the monkeys be sold or placed in approved, certified sanctuaries and/or licensed or approved zoos was authorized by statute. Kriz says that this disposition was not authorized and that only a public auction or destruction of the animals is allowed.