Arizona Senate bill by Sen. Payne defines and penalizes animal cruelty offenses

Passed bill authored by State Sen. Kevin Payne seeks to define and classify acts of animal cruelty, establish penalties, and authorize law enforcement actions to protect animals under hazardous conditions, according to the Arizona State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of June 27, clearing the House by a vote of 50-5 and the Senate by a vote of 27-2.

The bill, introduced as SB1198 on Jan. 21, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘animal cruelty; classification’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends section 13-2910 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to further define and classify acts of animal cruelty. It identifies various offenses, including inflicting physical injury on animals, neglecting to provide necessary medical attention, and leaving animals unattended in vehicles where injury or death is likely. The bill outlines penalties for these crimes, categorizing them as misdemeanor or felony based on the severity of the act. It also includes provisions for defending acts intended to protect livestock and permits actions by certain agencies. Law enforcement officers are allowed to use reasonable force to rescue animals left in vehicles under hazardous conditions. Additionally, the bill specifies compensation liability for anyone convicted of harming working or service animals, requiring reimbursement for costs related to replacement and training, veterinary bills, and lost salaries of handlers.

In the House, 19 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor while five Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 13 Democrats and 14 Republicans voted in favor while two Republicans voted against it.

Payne introduced the bill in the Arizona Senate on Jan. 21 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

Payne, a Republican, was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 27th Senate District, replacing previous state senator Anthony Kern.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on July 1.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.