(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents the Humane Society.)
By Howard Fischer | YourValley.net
PHOENIX — Arizona lawmakers agreed Tuesday to close what some consider to be loopholes in state laws on animal cruelty.
But not everyone is on board.
On a 41-13 vote Tuesday, the state House gave preliminary approval to a proposal by Sen. Shawnna Bolick that would expand the definition of what constitutes cruelty to include failing to provide medical attention to prevent “unreasonable” suffering by a pet. That compares with current law that says only when such suffering is “protracted” does someone break the law — language animal rights advocates say often leaves police and prosecutors unable to act.
Potentially more significant, Senate Bill 1658 spells out for the first time that what is considered “cruel neglect” is illegal. That includes failing to provide water suitable for drinking, food fit for consumption and, for animals that reside outside, sufficient shelter.
