Gov. Katie Hobbs, Arizona animal advocates celebrate signing of anti-cruelty bill into law

PHOENIX — Animal advocates gathered on Monday to celebrate Gov. Katie Hobbs signing an animal cruelty law last month.

“Whether you have a dog, a cat, rabbit, snake, guinea pig, or anything else, you have a responsibility to treat these creatures with dignity and respect,” Hobbs said during the event. “Sadly, we know that is not always the case and that’s why this bill is so critical.”

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Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1658 into law on June 27.

The legislation expands the definition of animal cruelty to include failure to provide medical attention. It also requires pet owners to provide suitable food, water and shelter for their animals.

This legislation was passed after several high-profile animal cruelty cases in Arizona, including one in 2023 involving 55 disabled dogs who were rescued from a Chandler home after authorities found them living in squalor.

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“The humane society has found an increase of nearly 30% in these kinds of cases over the last two years,” Hobbs said. “These stories are heartbreaking and in many cases could have been avoided.”

For months leading up to the seizure of the disabled dogs, animal rights advocates pleaded with law enforcement to rescue the dogs. However, loopholes in the law prevented police from raiding the home sooner. By the time of the rescue, five dogs were in such terrible condition they had to be put down, and several puppies were found frozen in the freezer.

“This bill, importantly, closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed for prolonged suffering of these animals while making appropriate exceptions for working dogs and dogs owned by people experiencing homelessness,” Hobbs said. “It allows first responders, law enforcement and vets to take action.”

Republican State Sen. Shawna Bolick as well as advocates with the Arizona Humane Society helped pass the law, which is known as “Jerry’s Law” in honor of one of the dogs who survived the Chandler home.

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