Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Arizona, animal cruelty is addressed under Arizona Revised Statutes Sections 13-2910 and 13-2910.01. These laws prohibit a variety of actions that constitute mistreatment of animals, including neglect, abandonment, physical harm, and cruel mistreatment. Neglect involves failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, shelter, or medical care. It is also illegal to inflict unnecessary physical injury, to subject an animal to cruel mistreatment or killing, or to engage in animal fighting. Penalties for animal cruelty in Arizona can range from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first-time or repeat violation. Enhanced penalties may apply if the cruelty is committed in the presence of a minor or if the offender has prior convictions for animal cruelty.