(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Arizona Humane Society)
By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services
Key Points:
- New law adds medical attention requirement for pet owners
- Legislation inspired by animal hoarding case in Chandler, Arizona
- Opponents argue it requires better care for animals than people
Come Sept. 26, it’s finally going to be a crime in Arizona to fail to get proper medical attention for a pet.
Turns out, it’s not currently illegal. That gap in the law became apparent in 2023 when law enforcement officials in Maricopa County said their ability to act was limited despite reports that a Chandler woman was hoarding dogs. When police finally did get a search warrant, they found nearly five dozen dogs, including five found dead in a freezer.
Not all the remaining animals survived.
What all that led to was SB 1658 which, when it takes effect, adds a new provision to existing laws on animal cruelty. It will now include intentionally, knowingly or recklessly failing to provide medical attention to prevent “unreasonable suffering” to a domestic animal under that person’s control.
“This bill importantly closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed for prolonged suffering of these animals,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said at a ceremonial signing ceremony at the Arizona Humane Society.
