Arizona Law Enforcement, Prosecutors Urge State Legislation To Combat Animal Cruelty
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick’s recently introduced bill to combat animal cruelty in Arizona was greeted with widespread support from prosecutors and the state’s law enforcement community on Monday.
Letters from Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, the Arizona Police Association, and the Arizona Association of Counties, all urging the passage of SB 1658, were received by members of the Arizona House of Representatives. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell also expressed her support in a recent press conference.
In a post to X, Bolick asked supporters to engage House Leadership in support of the bill which is expected to be voted on this week. She wrote, “The most recent disturbing case of animal abuse, where several dogs were left without food, resorting to feeding on the remains of deceased canines on a property in Gila Bend, highlights the significance of this bill. It’s disheartening to see misinformation clouding a straightforward measure that simply aims to do right by our animals.”
“Under current law, vague definitions can limit our ability to hold offenders accountable in animal cruelty cases. SB 1658 would address some of these shortcomings by providing law enforcement with the legal clarity needed to take action in cases where animals are in need of protection,” Sheridan wrote. “This bill represents a vital step forward in combating the growing issue of animal cruelty.”
The proposed bill, if enacted, would expand the legal definition of animal cruelty “to include failing to provide medical attention and broadens the definition of cruel neglect,” establishing this form of animal cruelty as a class 1 misdemeanor. The new law also expands the definition of cruel neglect to include “failure to provide a domestic animal with:
a) food fit for consumption, as appropriate for the species;
b) water suitable for drinking, as appropriate for the species;
c) access to shelter, except for a dog that primarily resides outdoors; and
d) access to shelter that meets specified requirements, for a dog that primarily resides outdoors.”
Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio offered a similar sentiment saying, “As Sheriff of Maricopa County, I saw many egregious animal cruelty cases while fighting crime and working to make our communities safer. We seized a lot of animals during my 24-year tenure as sheriff. I always told my deputies, if they find people breaking laws against animals, there is always room for them in my jails. Let’s not allow people to treat animals in a way that causes them to suffer. Please vote yes on SB 1658 when it comes to the House floor for a vote.”
“Animal abusers are more likely to commit crimes like assault, property offenses, drug offenses, and they do so at higher rates than other defendants,” Mitchell said in a press conference livestreamed to Facebook in February.
Miller added in a statement, “Tougher animal cruelty laws give prosecutors the tools we need to hold offenders accountable and send a clear message: cruelty of any kind has no place in Arizona or in a just society.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.