Despite bipartisan support in the state Senate, an animal cruelty bill working through the House is facing challenges.
The bill was assigned for review to the Judiciary and Rules and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water committees.
“The reason it was assigned to two committees — the only reason they are ever assigned to two committees, in my understanding — is to kill a bill,” said Steve Hansen, president of Arizona Humane Society.
After failing in legislation last year, State Sen. Shawna Bolick reintroduced SB 1234 with amendments regarding the definitions of care requirements and inclusion of species.
“I want to be very clear, this bill has absolutely nothing to do with livestock, nothing to do with working animals on farms, it also has no effect on people experiencing homelessness as well,” Hansen said.
The bill passed through the state Senate earlier this month without much opposition.
“With very strong bipartisan support it moved out of the chamber with a 22 favor, and a four against vote and moved to the house,” Hansen said.
If not heard by both committees by next week the bill will die in the House.
Hansen has asked the community to support the bill and call both committee chairs to ensure review of SB 1234.
“Now we are literally running out of time because bills must be heard by mid next week,” Hansen said. “We have asked our constituents to do the same thing, and we know they are making calls.”
Hansen said this bill is important for protection of companion animals.
“This bill is critical to Arizona pets, not livestock," Hansen said. “The reason is, it defines what food, water and shelter is. Right now Arizona law is extremely vague.”
