ARL Humane Action Network

IN THE NEWS: Council Bluffs City Council votes to keep pit bull ban in place despite pushback from residents

"The Council Bluffs City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to keep the city's pit bull ban in place, rejecting a repeal effort backed by residents and the mayor. Cole Button is the one council member who voted in favor of lifting the ban."

Council Bluffs City Council votes to keep pit bull ban in place despite pushback from residents The Council Bluffs City Council voted 4-1 to keep its pit bull ban in place, rejecting a repeal effort supported by residents and the city's mayor. Neighbors spoke out against the ban for two hours.

IN THE NEWS: DC - Controversial Farm Bill measure targeting state animal laws heads to Senate showdown

"Animal welfare advocates are preparing for a fight in the US Senate where the new Farm Bill will be taken up in the next couple months, bringing with it a contentious provision that would undo state measures to protect livestock."

https://www.thenewlede.org/2026/05/farm-bill-save-our-bacon-livestock-cafos/

IN THE NEWS: DC - Greyhound Racing Nears End in US After Historic House Vote

'The US House has passed a measure that would effectively end greyhound racing in America if enacted.

The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 5017) was tagged onto the must-pass Farm Bill, approved by the House on Thursday, now heading to the Senate."

Greyhound Racing Nears End in US After Historic House Vote The U.S. House has passed a landmark bill that could end greyhound racing nationwide, targeting betting, breeding, and training as part of the 2025 Farm Bill. The measure now faces a crucial Senate battle.

THIS JUST IN: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signs first-offense felony animal torture bill into law.

"Reynolds, joined by lawmakers and advocates, signed House File 2348 into law at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa shelter in Des Moines. The law establishes a Class D felony charge for animal torture, defined as when a person 'intentionally, willfully, and maliciously mutilates, burns, poisons, drowns, starves or causes intensive or prolonged pain or death to a companion animal, or provides anything of value to another person to do the same.'"

Gov. Kim Reynolds signs law making animal torture a felony on first offense • Iowa Capital Dispatch Gov. Kim Reynolds signing the measure into law makes Iowa the 50th state to have felony charges in place for animal torture.

IN THE NEWS: CT - Connecticut bill aims to provide safe housing options for domestic violence victims and their pets

"A Connecticut Senate bill aims to remove barriers for domestic violence victims by creating a network of options for pets when leaving abusive situations. "

Connecticut bill aims to provide safe housing options for domestic violence victims and their pets One Senate bill is aiming to create space for victims and their pets to leave safely and together.

IN THE NEWS: IA - Animal Rescue League of Iowa to care for beagles rescued from Wisconsin facility

"he Animal Rescue League of Iowa says it is preparing to take in beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that bred dogs for research.

Ridglan Farms forfeited its license in October 2025 to avoid a potential criminal charge. Big Ranch Dog Rescue and the Center for Humane Economy purchased 1,500 dogs from the facility and began removing them today."

Animal Rescue League of Iowa to care for beagles rescued from Wisconsin facility The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is preparing to take in rescued beagles bred for testing.

IN THE NEWS: WI - 1,500 beagles rescued from veterinary research facility after reaching deal with animal rescues

"Leaders with Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy shared details about the agreement this week, calling it one of the largest coordinated efforts of its kind.

'We are here to formally announce that we have reached an accord with Ridglan Farms to obtain 1,500 beagles from the company,' Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, said.

Ridglan Farms is described as a facility that has bred thousands of beagles for sale to scientific and medical research laboratories for nearly six decades. However, officials said it had been facing $55,000 in fines after inspectors cited over 300 violations."

1,500 beagles rescued from veterinary research facility after reaching deal with animal rescues Animal rescuers in Wisconsin have reached a deal to purchase over a thousand beagles from a veterinary research facility.

JUST IN: Iowa lawmakers increase penalty for animal torture

"Criminal penalties in Iowa for animal torture would be elevated — to a felony on first offense, in some cases — under a bill on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her consideration.

'This strengthens Iowa's commitment to protecting animals and ensuring that the most heinous acts are punished, rightfully so,' Republican state Rep. Samantha Fett, of Carlisle, the bill’s sponsor, said. "

Iowa lawmakers increase penalty for animal torture Iowa lawmakers passed increased penalties for animal torture Thursday, sending the bill to the governor.

THIS JUST IN: The Iowa Senate approved an amended version of the felony animal torture bill (SF2099/HF2348) unanimously today!

The amendment emphasizes the malicious nature of the act. Our thanks to Sen. Mike Bousselot (R-Polk) for getting this across the finish line in the Senate.

The bill now goes back to the House for approval in its amended form.

Iowa Senate approves rewritten animal torture legislation • Iowa Capital Dispatch The Iowa Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to create new felony penalties for torture of companion animals.

ALERT: Felony Animal Torture Vote is Set for Today

SF2099, the felony animal torture vote is back on the Senate agenda for today.

We're expecting an amendment to the bill if it moves forward today, but we haven't seen the language of any amendment yet, so don't know what changes might be coming.

We'll update as we learn more.