Iowa Regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Department of Natural Resources
502 E. 9th Street
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
208-332-8540

State Web Site: http://www.state.ia.us/
Department Web Site: http://www.iowadnr.com/

State File 564:  http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=SF564

As of 2007, private possession, propagation, and importation of  lions, tigers, and all other species of wild cats is prohibited.

Current owners of these animals must meet certain requirements, including registration with the state before December 31, 2007, payment of registration fees, implantg a microchip in each animal, provide photos, and meet certain confinement requirements. Persons who are under 18, or have any convictions of felony or misdemeanor drug offenses in the past 10 years are not eligible to register, $100,000 liability insurance with not more than a $250 deductable must be maintained. Any violations of law will result in penalty and seizure and permanent disposition of the animals.

This law has 20 exemptions, some of which it does not apply to include: accredited AZA zoos, 501 c 3 wildlife sanctuaries, circuses, state fairs, animal shelters, persons who have a dangerous wild animal as an agricultural animal, persons who have a dangerous wild animal as an assistance animal, persons with a faconrey license, a city, and, a  veterinarian. Also exempted are persons who keep a dangerous wild animal pursuant to all of the following conditions:
     a.  The person is licensed by the United States department
 of agriculture as provided in 9 C.F.R. ch. I.
     b.  The person is registered by the department of agriculture and land stewardship. Upon a complaint filed with the department of agriculture and land stewardship, the department may inspect the premises or investigate the  practices of the registered person and suspend or revoke the registration for the same causes and in the same manner as provided in section 162.12.