Arizona upped the ante in the fight against animal abuse last week, with Governor Doug Ducey signing HB 2671 into law on May 8.
Until now, the penalties for the torture, neglect, abandonment or other abuse of dogs, cats and other domestic animals in the state have been weak; the maximum possible charge for animal cruelty was a class 6 felony with up to a year in prison, but it was often downgraded to a misdemeanor.
Thanks to the new legislation, the maximum charge will now be a class 5 felony and up to 18 months in jail (though of course, we wish it were even more). If the charge is downgraded, it will still remain a felony.
“Animal cruelty is despicable — and Arizona will not tolerate it. Proud to sign #HB2671 to strengthen penalties for those who abuse domestic animals,” tweeted Ducey.
“It was a class 6 felony that was plucked down to a misdemeanor, so elevating it to a class 5 helps us get to the same level it is in most states in the United States,” said Randy Peterson, director of development of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
Bill sponsor Rep. John Kavanagh highlighted another benefit of the new bill, which is that judges can require animal abusers to get counseling.
“We’re talking about getting people who are really deranged into mandatory treatment and counseling and supervision so they don’t injure more animals or people in their household,” said Kavanagh. “There’s a great link between domestic violence and abusing animals. These people need help. This bill gets them help.”
A Lady Freethinker petition urging Arizona officials to pass this bill garnered more than 25,800 signatures. Every individual counts and our voices were heard, so huge thanks to everyone who took the time to speak up in defense of those who can’t speak for themselves.
They NEED HELP alright!! They need to be HELPED RIGHT OFF OF THE FACE OF THE EARTH!!! VILE PUTRID SCUM OF THE EARTH is all these abusers are!!!!!
Yes; cruelty needs to STOP!
Good start. Let’s keep it going.
They should take these people who did this to this or any other incident creature of God’s and do the same to them and let they lay there in pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It helps my heart to see progress against cruelty. Thanks, Arizona. Now keep going and do more!
This is good news but the actual laws defining abuse/neglect/abandonment need to be toughened!!!! Dogs can be left outside in any degree of heat!! This is not right!!
Congratulations Arizona!
so glad the Governot has signed stricter laws to protect innocent and helpless animals. Thank you.
Thank you, Gov Doug Ducey, for taking tis vital step to protect animals from abuse.
Now – make sure this law is used and used well.
WAY TO GO ARIZONA…GOOD START…FIND THOSE INGRATES…
the world NEEDS tough animal protection laws! People, demand it!
agree.
🎉🙋
Best news I’ve heard in awhile 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Governor DOUG DUCEY Thank you & God Bless you for the stance that you have taken to upgrade the ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS TO BE PUNISHABLE HEAVILY. These poor innocent, defenseless animals are suffering so cruelly in the hands of violent subhumans. Time has come to make these ANIMAL CRUELTY AS A FELONY & A CRIME AGAINST THE HUMANITY. Mr. Ducey Bless your Heart…
EXCELLENT NEWS — KEEP AT IT — ensure the laws even get tougher — thus, our animals will still be better protected — THROW the MONSTER-ABUSERS-IDIOTS into prison and/or Rubber Rooms.
Thanku Governor Doug Ducey.
Thanku Governor Doug Ducey.
THANK YOU GOVERNER U ARE A KIND HONORABLE MAN.
THE GALARNEAU FAMILY
Good, good good good,. Thanks to all the people involved. in this new law.
Un bel exemple à suivre par d’autres pays et surtout le mien!!!!!
Well done Arizona – although long overdue!
Well done Arizona – although long overdue.
HOORAY from the UK !!!!!!!!!!!! You/ve set a wonderful example to everyone x
We must give voice to those who cannot talk. Karma is alive and well and the fires of hell burn brightly for
those who hurt innocent creatures
Well done Arizona. Keep up the good work.
Thank goodness. It is about time one state does something about animal abuse. Now we all need the other 49 states to enact a law just like Arizona did. Praise the people who finally took one step forward in animal cruelty!
I hope that dogs aren’t the only animal that will be protected!
Amen to that, Sam!