Legislative Update: Today Marks a Milestone for Arizona Pets
Today, Our Community Became Safer for Animals Thanks to You.
HB2671, a landmark anti-cruelty bill, officially became state law today. This milestone victory ensures animal abusers will face stronger penalties in the worst cases of abuse – the ones where abusers intentionally and knowingly inflict cruel mistreatment.
Cases like Copper, who survived multiple stab wounds by his owner, and spent nearly a month recovering in our Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ before finding a forever home.
Every day, our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ and trauma hospital see horrific cases of animal cruelty and neglect just like Copper’s. In 2018 alone, our team responded to more than 7,400 cruelty investigations.
Previously, Arizona law required that abuse of pets – even in the most heinous cases – can only be charged at the lowest felony designation. A class 6 felony is more often than not reduced to a misdemeanor with a slap on the hand. This is a much-needed change that gives prosecutors the tools to ensure the sentence reflects the severity of the crime.
The Arizona Humane Society has worked tirelessly over the last four years to pass this bill, a bill that will make a real difference in our community. But it would not have been possible without the support of animal lovers who contacted their legislators and said enough is enough. You made a remarkable impact, and animals like Copper will be safer because of you.
Thank you for being a voice for the most vulnerable animals in our community.