ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

HB2372: animal cruelty; release conditions

Sponsor: Representative Bolick, LD 20

Committee on Judiciary

Overview

Prohibits an individual on bail or release for an animal cruelty offense from possessing or having contact with any animal unless the animal is the individual's own service animal.

History

An individual commits animal cruelty by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjecting an animal:

1) To cruel neglect;

2) To cruel mistreatment;

3) To death or harm without legal privilege;

4) Failing to provide necessary medical attention to prevent prolonged suffering; or

5) Interfering with a service or working animal, as applicable (A.R.S. § 13-2910).

Punishment for an animal cruelty offense is as follows:

1) Class 5 felony for the intentional or knowing subjection of a domestic animal to cruel mistreatment or death without legal privilege;

2) Class 6 felony includes the intentional or knowing subjection of an animal under the individual's custody to cruel neglect resulting in serious physical injury or interfering with a service or working animal; or

3) Class 1 misdemeanor includes the intentional, knowing or reckless subjection of an animal under the individual's custody to cruel neglect or interfering with a service or working animal (A.R.S. § 13-2910).

Animal means a mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian (A.R.S. § 13-2910).

Provisions

1. Specifies that an individual on bail or release for an animal cruelty offense is prohibited from possessing or having contact with any animal unless the animal is the individual's own service animal. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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6. HB 2372

7. Initials LC/DG Page 0 Judiciary

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