The Arizona Senate recently passed a bill, SB1234, that aims to expand animal cruelty laws in the state to provide more protections for pets against abuse or neglect. The bill includes provisions that impose criminal penalties ranging from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony for those who commit cruelty to domestic animals. It also identifies failure to provide food, water, shelter, and necessary medical attention for pets as forms of animal cruelty. The legislation broadens the definition of domestic animals to include birds, reptiles, and amphibians kept as pets.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Shawnna Bolick, received bipartisan support in the Senate, passing with a 22-4 vote. Bolick emphasized the importance of holding those who mistreat animals accountable, stating that the legislation sends a strong message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Arizona. The changes come in response to a rise in animal cruelty cases across the state, with the Arizona Humane Society responding to over 10,000 cases last year.
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