Law Enforcement, Prosecutors Call on Arizona House to Pass Legislation to Crack Down on Animal Cruelty
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Law enforcement and prosecutors are expressing strong support for legislation introduced by Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick to crack down on animal cruelty in Arizona.
In separate letters sent to members of the Arizona House of Representatives Monday, Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, the Arizona Police Association, and the Arizona Association of Counties urge passage of SB 1658. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell also expressed her support for the measure at a recent press conference. After receiving more than two-thirds vote of support in the Senate, the bill is now stalled in the House due to the influence of a misinformation campaign being pushed by an activist organization.
SB 1658 was drafted in response to horrific animal cruelty cases in Arizona, where law enforcement and county prosecutors requested assistance from the Arizona Legislature to better hold accountable the evil individuals responsible for these heinous crimes. The bill expands the definitions of water, food, shelter, and medical attention for companion animals to strengthen penalties and enforcement against animal abuse, while still protecting responsible pet owners and ranchers across the state.
"Under current law, vague definitions can limit our ability to hold offenders accountable in animal cruelty cases. SB 1658 would address some of these shortcomings by providing law enforcement with the legal clarity needed to take action in cases where animals are in need of protection," wrote Sheridan. "This bill represents a vital step forward in combating the growing issue of animal cruelty."
"As Sheriff of Maricopa County, I saw many egregious animal cruelty cases while fighting crime and working to make our communities safer," wrote Arpaio. "We seized a lot of animals during my 24-year tenure as sheriff. I always told my deputies, if they find people breaking laws against animals, there is always room for them in my jails. Let's not allow people to treat animals in a way that causes them to suffer. Please vote yes on SB 1658 when it comes to the House floor for a vote."
"Animal abusers are more likely to commit crimes like assault, property offenses, drug offenses, and they do so at higher rates than other defendants," said Mitchell.
"Tougher animal cruelty laws give prosecutors the tools we need to hold offenders accountable and send a clear message: cruelty of any kind has no place in Arizona or in a just society," wrote Miller.
"The most recent disturbing case of animal abuse, where several dogs were left without food, resorting to feeding on the remains of deceased canines on a property in Gila Bend, highlights the significance of this bill," said Senator Bolick. "It's disheartening to see misinformation clouding a straightforward measure that simply aims to do right by our animals. I urge the Speaker of the House to move this bill forward for a vote.”
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov