Bill > SB1198

This bill amends Arizona's animal cruelty laws to enhance protections for service and working animals by modifying the existing statutes on animal cruelty. The bill specifically adds new provisions that make it a more serious offense to kill or cause serious harm to service and working animals, with clearer language about the intentional and knowing nature of such actions. The legislation creates additional felony classifications for certain types of animal cruelty, particularly those involving service animals, working animals, and domestic animals. It expands the definition of animal cruelty to include more specific scenarios, such as intentionally killing or seriously harming service or working animals without legal privilege or owner consent. The bill also maintains existing provisions about animal ownership restrictions for individuals convicted of animal cruelty, including requirements to transfer animals and potential lifetime bans on animal possession for repeat offenders. The changes aim to provide stronger legal protections for animals, especially those performing critical services like assisting law enforcement or helping individuals with disabilities, by establishing more stringent penalties for those who intentionally harm these animals.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82523