FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, March 17, 2025
Legislation to Crack Down on Animal Cruelty Passes Senate
with Strong Bipartisan Support
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are working to protect the health and well-being of Arizona's furry, four-legged friends with legislation broadening the conditions under which animal cruelty can be charged. This legislation, aimed at strengthening protections for innocent pets from harm, moves to the House of Representatives for consideration after passing the Senate with bipartisan support today.
SB 1234, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, helps protect domestic animals from neglect and abuse by specifying the most basic care required, under state law, which must be provided by pet owners or pet caregivers. The bill adds penalties for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly failing to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any domestic animal under the person's custody or control. SB 1234 outlines that a person who commits cruelty to domestic animals by an intentional, knowing, or reckless act is subject to a criminal penalty ranging from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony. With the intent to reduce unnecessary suffering to animals, SB 1234 modifies the definition of "cruel neglect" to include the failure to provide food, water that is suitable for drinking, and access to shelter that is maintained in a manner that minimizes the risk of infestation and parasites.
"This legislation sends a strong message that animal cruelty and neglect will not be tolerated in any form in the State of Arizona," said Senator Bolick. "These innocent animals are voiceless, but when they suffer, it speaks volumes of the type of individuals we're dealing with who are causing this despicable harm. I am strongly committed to reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy environments for our pets. By expanding the definition of cruelty and neglect, we are making it clear that having a pet is a responsibility, and these animals should not experience any unnecessary suffering or cruelty. Individuals who refuse to provide basic care for these living, breathing, loving creatures should not have access to them. As people, we have a moral obligation to care for all living beings and to hold those accountable who choose to commit heinous acts of abuse. I applaud both my Republican and Democrat colleagues for their support in passing this bill out of the Senate, and I call on the House to do the same, for the sake of the millions of animal lovers, and vulnerable pets, in Arizona.
In response to concerns raised by the agricultural community on a similar bill last year, Senator Bolick sponsored SB 1234, which applies only to domestic animals.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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