HB 2076
Initials JL/MB Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: JUD DP 8-1-0-0
HB 2076: domestic violence; definition; animal abuse
Sponsor: Representative Parker B, LD 10
Caucus & COW
Overview
Adds certain cruelty to animals offenses to the list of offenses that may qualify as domestic
violence under certain circumstances.
History
Current law outlines a list of existing criminal offenses that may constitute domestic violence
if the defendant has a certain relationship with the victim, such as being family members,
having a child in common or sharing a residence together.
Peace officers are required to follow certain protocols when handling suspected domestic
violence incidents and gives them the ability to arrest suspects for probable cause; inquire
and seize firearms that may pose potential risk to the victim or others; and inform the alleged
or potential victim about resources and procedures for their protection. Additionally, harsher
sentencing may apply in domestic violence cases if the victim is pregnant at the time of the
incident (A.R.S § 13-3601).
A person can commit the offense of cruelty to animals in numerous ways that are enumerated
in A.R.S. § 13-2910. Specifically, under subsection A, paragraph 14, a person commits the
offense by intentionally or knowingly subjecting a domestic animal to cruel mistreatment.
Moreover, under subsection A, paragraph 15, a person commits the offense by intentionally
or knowingly killing a domestic animal without either legal privilege or consent of the
domestic animal's owner or handler. For purposes of this statute, cruel mistreatment means
to torture or otherwise inflict unnecessary serious physical injury on an animal or to kill an
animal in a manner that causes protracted suffering to the animal.
Provisions
1. Adds cruelty to animals under A.R.S. § 13-2910, subsection A, paragraphs 14 and 15 to
the list of offenses that can qualify as domestic violence. (Sec. 1)
2. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note