In the wake of a high-profile animal abuse case involving a
Chandler woman accused of keeping dozens of dogs in horrific conditions,
Senate Bill 1047 aims to protect pets with stronger state laws.
Fifty-five dogs were seized from April McLaughlin’s home last year, and she pleaded not guilty in court.
“Struggling with the ability to enforce the worst of the worst cases,” said Ruthie Jesus, Field Operations Supervisor at the Arizona Humane Society.
There is opposition to the legislation, who claim it will “criminalize poverty.” Critics claim the bill won’t fix animal cruelty and instead is cruel to humans.
“What this bill does is, well there’s no other way to put it, it’s evil,” said Republican Rep. Alexander Kolodin. “It makes it a crime to be poor and have a pet.”
The bill passed the House but is currently held up in the Senate. The Arizona Humane Society says animal abuse cases are on the rise across the Valley, up 21% in 2023, and supporters of the legislation say it’s needed to keep pets safe.
“This will blanket the state to ensure that the basic bare minimums like definitions of food, water, and shelter and the necessity of medical treatment are defined for everyone and not just on a city by city basis,” said Jesus.
Darrell Hill, Policy Director for ACLU Arizona, says the bill would have negative unintended consequences.
“We are very concerned that SB 1047 criminalizes the act of pet ownership for homeless people,” said Hill.
The bill outlines specific requirements for pet owners regarding food, water, and shelter. It defines “cruel neglect” as failure to provide an animal with those necessities, and violations result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
“(It) Puts the government in between every pet and their owner,” said Hill. “It criminalizes not having your pet in a regular shelter. It criminalizes feeding your pet the wrong food. It even criminalizes not taking your pet to the vet if you can’t afford that expense.”
Jesus points out the Humane Society offers free and low cost programs to help those in crisis. She calls the bill’s opposition shocking.
“It is not meant to separate families or to single out anybody that is struggling or living on hard times or is completely unhoused. The goal of this is to get a bare minimum requirement for pets to prevent additional pain and suffering,” said Jesus.
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