Title
Animal Ordinance Update
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee an overview of recent updates to the animal ordinance and other efforts to address animal welfare concerns.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Animal Crimes Detail is housed within the Property Crimes Bureau for the Phoenix Police Department. Current staffing consists of a sergeant position and a police civilian investigator, and the responsibilities include investigating cases as well as provide training on the City's Animal Cruelty ordinances.
Recent updates to the ordinance in 2023 included clarifying the definitions of the terms "animal" and "livestock" as well as updating the definition of "adequate shelter" and establishing requirements related to the restraint of a dog. Citations and bookings have increased after these ordinance changes went into effect.
In September 2023, PHX311 enabled citizens an opportunity to report violations for tethering, animal cruelty and not providing adequate shelter using an online form. These complaints are addressed by a variety of stakeholders with the goal of educating the public prior to criminal enforcement. This effort was a culmination of work by Police Department staff in partnership with the Arizona Humane Society, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and Neighborhood Services staff.
State Bill 1658 "Cruel Neglect"
In 2025, State Bill 1658 provided new updates to verbiage related to animal cruelty and provides exceptions to the definition of cruel neglect. The definition and exceptions to cruel neglect states "'Cruel neglect' means to fail to provide an animal with necessary food, water or shelter or to fail to provide a domestic animal with any of the following: Except for a dog that primarily lives outdoors, access that is necessary and adequate. For a dog that primarily lives outdoors, except while a dog in engaged in training for lawful hunting, police, military or patrol work, search and rescue, herding or livestock guarding, trials and other lawful competitions. Service and assistance work and other working, sporting and competitive functions or is under the custody or control a person who has no permanent place of residence, access to shelter…”
City codes allow for no exceptions; therefore, staff can still enforce City Code when necessary to protect the animals.
Additionally, failing to provide medical attention was previously present in Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 13-2910.A.2. However, it required protractive suffering before law enforcement could be engaged, which prolonged the animals' suffering over time. An updated provision now only requires unreasonable suffering which allows for staff the have more leeway in enforcement efforts and for faster, more responsive protection of animals. The addition of the wording “unreasonable suffering” resulted after an incident that occurred in Chandler, AZ, involving 55 dogs that were seized because of mistreatment.
Ongoing Training Initiatives
Animal Crimes Detail staff are responsible for educating Police Department employees in investigating animal-related crimes. The staff provide training videos, attend briefings and evaluate continual policy updates. Staff also routinely meets with outside stakeholders to ensure the sharing of information is occurring for prosecutorial purposes. Staff meets with Arizona Humane Society monthly as well as with City and County attorneys quarterly.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.