Hobbs celebrates signing of ‘Jerry’s Law,’ expanding protections against animal cruelty for Arizona pets

PHOENIX – Flanked by a couple of paralyzed dogs who were rescued from severe abuse and neglect, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs joined impassioned animal advocates on July 7 to celebrate a new state law intended to protect pets.

“Whether you have a dog, a cat, rabbit, snake, guinea pig or anything else – you have a responsibility to treat these creatures with dignity and respect,” Hobbs said at the Arizona Humane Society’s Papago Park campus.

Affectionately nicknamed “Jerry’s Law,” the new legislation states that a person commits animal cruelty when they intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fail to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering of a domestic animal under their custody or control.

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Additionally, it mandates that owners of domestic animals must provide them with reasonable access to food, water and shelter – with exceptions for working dogs, dogs who live primarily outdoors and dog owners who are experiencing homelessness.

The law expands the definition of a “domestic animal” to include birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Hobbs signed the law, Senate Bill 1658, on June 27.

She made strengthening of animal cruelty protections a priority after a 2023 arrest of a Chandler woman revealed that 55 handicapped dogs had been living in her home under life-threatening conditions.

The dogs had no access to water and were subjected to hazardous air.

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The Arizona Humane Society helped remove the animals and returned several to their original owners. Others were taken to the hospital to treat open wounds and malnourishment. Some had to be euthanized.

One of the biggest accomplishments of the new law, according to Hobbs, is that it will be easier for first responders to take action when they come across maltreated pets.

Violations can entail criminal charges ranging from a class one misdemeanor to a class six felony.

State Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, a sponsor of the bill, said the “Chandler 55” case made legislators realize that the previous animal cruelty law had “significant shortcomings,” which made prosecution exceedingly difficult.

The new law had broad bipartisan support but the initial version received some pushback.

Opponents were concerned that farmers or the state’s homeless population could be unfairly targeted.

Bolick said the law is not intended to penalize “well-intentioned pet owners who make honest mistakes.”

“This bill targets the most egregious perpetrators of harm against companion animals,” she said.

The law will go into effect Sept. 26. It passed the Senate on a 25-5 vote, with support from 13 Democrats and 12 Republicans. All of the no votes came from Republicans.

The law is named for Jerry, a paralyzed chocolate Labrador who was one of the Chandler 55. Jerry was on hand for Monday’s festivities. So was Butters, a special needs dog and fellow survivor from the Chandler home.

As they strolled around the facility smiling at anyone who would look in their direction, Dr. Steven Hansen, president and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society, made his own show of affection toward the orange-wearing animal advocates in attendance.

“Your voice is powerful,” he said. “Together, we made sure Arizona’s laws reflect our values of compassion and protection for the most vulnerable pets.”

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.