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The Punishment Will NOW Fit the Crime, Thanks to You!
It is a GREAT Day for Pets in Arizona!
Your calls, emails and outreach to state elected officials made a significant impact! The Arizona House of Representatives just passed HB2671 and now, the bill heads to the Governor’s Desk for his signature!
This victory means that animal abusers will face stronger penalties in the worst cases of abuse – the ones where abusers intentionally and knowingly inflict cruel mistreatment. It means the punishment will finally fit the crime. It means that your voice mattered. The Arizona Humane Society has worked tirelessly over the last four years to pass this bill. Today marks a milestone.
This new law will make a real difference in our community. Every day, our emergency animal rescue team and trauma hospital see horrific cases of cruelty and neglect. Last year alone, our team responded to more than 7,400 cruelty investigations. Only the most egregious, gut-wrenching few lead to prosecution. The vast majority of animal abusers received an embarrassingly inadequate charge, often pleading to a misdemeanor without jail time or probation. Until today, that is.
We thank Representative Kavanagh who served as the bill sponsor and champion, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery for his leadership and our Humane Legislative and animal welfare partners who rallied with us.
But most importantly, we thank you.
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