Iowa Code Title XVI. Criminal Law and Procedure [Chs. 687-916] § 717D.5. Confiscation and disposition of animals

1. A local authority may confiscate an animal that is involved in a violation of section 717D.2. An animal that is livestock shall be considered neglected and may be rescued and disposed of as provided in section 717.5. An animal which is not livestock shall be considered threatened and rescued and disposed of as provided in section 717B.4.

2. If an animal that is involved in a violation of section 717D.2 is not rescued and disposed of pursuant to section 717.5 or 717B.4, it shall be forfeited to the state and subject to disposition as ordered by the court. In addition, the court shall order the owner of the animal to pay an amount which shall not be more than the expenses incurred in maintaining or disposing of the animal. The court may also order that the person pay reasonable attorney fees and expenses related to the investigation of the case that shall be taxed as other court costs. If more than one person has a divisible interest in the animal, the amount required to be paid shall be prorated based on the percentage of interest in the animal owned by each person. The moneys shall be paid to the local authority incurring the expense. The amount shall be subtracted from proceeds which are received from the sale of the animal ordered by the court.