Iowa Code Title XVI. Criminal Law and Procedure [Chs. 687-916] § 717B.9. Injury or interference with a police service dog

1. A person who knowingly, and willfully or maliciously torments, strikes, administers a nonpoisonous desensitizing substance to, or otherwise interferes with a police service dog, without inflicting serious injury on the dog, commits a serious misdemeanor.

2. A person who knowingly, and willfully or maliciously does any of the following commits a class “D” felony:

3. As used in this section, “police service dog” means a dog used by a peace officer or correctional officer in the performance of the officer's duties, whether or not the dog is on duty.

4. This section does not apply to a peace officer or veterinarian who terminates the life of such a dog for the purpose of relieving the dog of undue pain or suffering, or to a person who justifiably acts in defense of self or another.