SB 1234
Initials NM Page 1 Judiciary
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: JUDE W/D | RAGE DPA 7-0-0-0 | 3
rd
Read 22-4-0-3
SB 1234: animal cruelty; failure to treat
Sponsor: Senator Bolick, LD 2
Committee on Judiciary
Overview
Expands the definition of animal cruelty to include failing to provide medical attention and
broadens the definition of cruel neglect.
History
The Criminal Code outlines actions that constitute animal cruelty including intentionally,
knowingly or recklessly subjecting an animal to:
1) cruel neglect or abandonment;
2) infliction of unnecessary physical injury;
3) cruel mistreatment;
4) death or harm without legal privilege;
5) confinement in a motor vehicle;
6) failing to provide necessary medical attention to prevent protracted suffering; or
7) interfering with a service or working animal (A.R.S. § 13-2910).
A person who violates Arizona's animal cruelty laws is guilty of either a:
1) class 5 felony for intentionally or knowingly subjecting a domestic animal to cruel
mistreatment or death without legal privilege;
2) class 6 felony for intentionally or knowingly subjecting an animal under the person's
custody to cruel neglect resulting in serious physical injury or interfering with a
service or working animal; or
3) class 1 misdemeanor for intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjecting an animal
under the person's custody to cruel neglect or interfering with a service or working
animal (A.R.S. § 13-2910).
Animal means a mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian. Domestic animal means a mammal
that is kept primarily as a pet or companion or that is bred to be a pet or companion (A.R.S.
§ 13-2910).
Provisions
1. Adds that a person commits animal cruelty by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly
failing to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any
domestic animal under his custody or control. (Sec. 1)
2. Classifies this new form of animal cruelty as a class 1 misdemeanor. (Sec. 1)
3. Expands the definition of cruel neglect to include the failure to provide a domestic animal
with:
a) food fit for consumption, as appropriate for the species;
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note SB 1234
Initials NM Page 2 Judiciary
b) water suitable for drinking, as appropriate for the species;
c) access to shelter, except for a dog that primarily resides outdoors; and
d) access to shelter that meets specified requirements, for a dog that primarily resides
outdoors. (Sec. 1)
4. Modifies the definition of domestic animal to include birds, reptiles and amphibians. (Sec.
1)
5. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)