In a statewide survey of Iowa voters, this 2009 study found that 86% of voters support legislation that would strengthen protections for dogs in large-scale breeding operations, otherwise known as puppy mills; 9% are opposed to these tougher measures.

Iowa voters also strongly support other measures to protect animals. For example, 72% of voters support a bill that would allow courts to issue protective orders for pets that belong to victims of domestic violence, and only 16% would oppose this bill. As many as 75% of domestic violence victims have reported abusive partners who have threatened or killed their companion animals and as many as 48% of victims have refused to leave their abusers because of a pet.

In general, 83% of Iowa voters support stronger legislation to promote the humane treatment of animals, while 10% of respondents say they would oppose such legislation.