April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month!

One Cruelty Case, 10 Survivors of Abuse.

Each and every day, the Arizona Humane Society plays a unique role as the safety net for the Valley’s most vulnerable pets. Last year alone, AHS’ Animal Cruelty Investigators assisted law enforcement on more than 7,700 suspected cases of animal cruelty and rescued more than 4,600 sick, injured and abused pets. But what happens to those pets once rescued? Here is a recent update on 10 survivors. In November of 2018, AHS’ Animal Cruelty Investigators were alerted to a potential abandonment case after a tenant left the premises, leaving their pets behind for several days. Upon arrival, AHS discovered eight dogs, including a litter of underage puppies, and two cats abandoned in an apartment. Treatment for the pets included medical care in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ for upper respiratory infections and foster care for weight gain. After several weeks of care, all 10 pets were put up for adoption and found their forever homes, yet the case remained ongoing. Fourteen months later, AHS’ Animal Cruelty Investigators testified in court as their previous owner was found guilty and charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty. This resulted in a sentence of 36 months of probation where they cannot own, possess, harbor or maintain animals, more than $4,000 in restitution to AHS, and seven days of jail time, only suspended upon successful completion of probation. These are just a few of the thousands of pets who are rescued from abuse and neglect each year and why AHS advocates tirelessly to strengthen local and national laws against abuse and neglect. Thanks to a four year legislative effort, last August, AHS helped pass HB2671, a law that increases the punishment for egregious acts of animal cruelty from a Class 6 Felony to a Class 5 Felony meaning these acts can no longer be pled down to a misdemeanor and include higher sentencing and typically includes supervised probation. April’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is a reminder to keep advocating for pets who have no voice.

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