This bill would redefine animal cruelty in Arizona. It's moving through the Senate

A bill to target animal cruelty is currently going through the Arizona Senate. After an animal hoarding case in Chandler, Sen. Shawnna Bolick sponsored SB 1234 to expand the definition of animal abuse and include new species.

Veterinarians in the case of the Chandler hoarding were not able to accurately describe the abuse they saw, according to the Arizona Humane Society.

“Veterinarians were not able to adequately document abuse because food, water and shelter were not clearly defined,” said Steve Hansen, president and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society, in a committee meeting.

The bill was amended to include that pet owners need to adequately provide food, water and shelter necessary for the breed. Intentionally withholding medical care that would prevent unnecessary pain was also added as animal abuse.

Shelter is defined as a structurally sound cover that protects the animal from the elements and injuries. The space should be large enough for the animal to lay down or turn around comfortably.

“Veterinarian testimony is key to prosecution, and making sure the veterinarians understand the law and are able to convey what they find in the case is critically important,” Hansen said.

Domestic animals are mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians, according to the bill.

Arizona Humane Society has seen an increase in cruelty calls.

“In 2024, my team alone responded to over 16,000 calls for services and worked over 10,000 cruelty cases,” said Tracey Miller, director of field operations with the Arizona Humane Society.

Miller said over the past two years, that’s a 31% increase in service calls and a 29% increase in cruelty calls.

“This bill is only asserting that pet owners provide the basic needs for their pets,” Miller said.