1. A domesticated animal professional shall post and maintain a sign on real property in which the professional holds an interest, if the professional conducts domesticated animal activities on the property. The location of the sign may be near or on a stable, corral, or arena owned or controlled by the domesticated animal professional. The sign must be clearly visible to a participant. This section does not require a sign to be posted on a domesticated animal or a vehicle powered by a domesticated animal. The notice shall appear in black letters a minimum of one inch high and in the following form:

WARNING

 Under Iowa law, a domesticated animal professional is not liable for damages suffered by, an injury to, or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of domesticated animal activities, pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 673. You are assuming inherent risks of participating in this domesticated animal activity.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 673.3

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • property: includes personal and real property. See Iowa Code 4.1
 2. If a written contract is executed between a domesticated animal professional and a participant involving domesticated animal activities, the contract shall contain the same notice in clearly readable print. In addition, the contract shall include the following disclaimer:

 A number of inherent risks are associated with a domesticated animal activity. A domesticated animal may behave in a manner that results in damages to property or an injury or death to a person. Risks associated with the activity may include injuries caused by bucking, biting, stumbling, rearing, trampling, scratching, pecking, falling, or butting.  The domesticated animal may react unpredictably to conditions, including but not limited to a sudden movement, loud noise, an unfamiliar environment, or the introduction of unfamiliar persons, animals, or objects.  The domesticated animal may also react in a dangerous manner when a condition or treatment is considered hazardous to the welfare of the animal; a collision occurs with an object or animal; or a participant fails to exercise reasonable care, take adequate precautions, or use adequate control when engaging in a domesticated animal activity, including failing to maintain reasonable control of the animal or failing to act in a manner consistent with the person’s abilities.
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