Arizona Humane Society says animal cruelty service calls on the rise

PHOENIX — The Arizona Humane Society has seen a sharp rise in calls for service related to animal cruelty, according to the nonprofit’s director of field operations, Tracey Miller.

“Animal cruelty in the state of Arizona is on the rise,” Miller told the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee on Wednesday morning.

In order to stop the disturbing trend, Miller hopes the Arizona Legislature will update animal cruelty laws in Arizona.

Why AHS leader says animal cruelty is on the rise in Arizona

In metro Phoenix alone, AHS has seen a troubling pattern over the past two years, according to Miller.

“In 2024, my team alone responded to over 16,000 calls for service and worked over 10,000 cruelty cases,” she said. “That’s a 31% increase in calls for service and a 29% increase in cruelty calls.”

Miller shared the statistics while advocating for the passage of an amended version of Senate Bill 1234, which would refine and broaden the state’s definition of animal cruelty.

This would make it easier for police and prosecutors to punish animal abusers, according to Sen. Shawnna Bolick, who introduced the bill.

How would SB1234 impact animal cruelty laws in Arizona?

The law defines specific actions that are considered animal abuse, such as failing to provide medical attention necessary to prevent “unreasonable” suffering.

It also defines “cruel neglect” as failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water or shelter. The amended version of the bill also expands the definition of a “domestic animal” to include mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Further details about the changes the law would enact can be found in the text of the bill.

Why AHS leaders thinks upgrade Arizona animal cruelty laws is necessary

“Senate Bill 1234 specifically defines cruelty to companion animals as failure to provide medical treatment that is necessary, food and water that is fit for consumption, and shelter that is safe and provides protection,” Miller said.

She said she’s seen many disturbing instances of animal cruelty while investigating cases across the Valley.

“I’ve been on too many calls for service where domestic animals have algae for water, maggots in their food, and the only way they can seek shelter is to dig a hole under an abandoned car,” Miller said. “Currently, those are all legal.”

What’s next for bill that could expand animal cruelty laws?

The seven-person committee unanimously voted to pass the amended version of the bill.

The next step of the legislative process will take the bill to the Senate floor. If the Senate and House both pass it, Gov. Katie Hobbs will decide whether to sign the bill to broaden what is considered animal cruelty in Arizona into law.

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