The state House preliminarily approved a bill Wednesday that would put stricter animal cruelty laws in Arizona statute.
Notably, it would make it a felony for pet owners to not seek medical attention to prevent unreasonable suffering.
Republican Rep. Matt Gress cited an animal hoarding case in Chandler last year in voicing his support.
"Fifty five dogs were discovered in awful, horrible conditions. But because of vague statutes and legal loopholes, law enforcement had limited options in leaving many of these dogs in insufferable conditions," Gress said.
The measure was amended to remove a mandate that pet owners provide clean drinking water. The bill needs a final vote in the House before going to the Senate.
