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The Letter of the Paw: Arizona Turns up the Heat on Animal Cruelty

Did you know a dog’s nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint? It’s true! And while we may not be dusting for paw prints just yet, animal crimes investigations in Arizona require the same careful attention to detail as any major case. As private investigators, we’re often the bridge between citizens, law enforcement, and the legal system when animals are being neglected or abused. And, we have a complicated investigative road map to navigate. 

Enter Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2910: the statute that forms the foundation for nearly every animal-crime investigation we handle. The language can be tricky and vague, but thanks to some new legislation, the law now gives law enforcement more teeth to bite back against animal abusers! 

In 2025, Arizona passed Senate Bill 1658, known as Jerry’s Law. Signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 27, 2025, and in effect as of September 26, 2025, this legislation tightened the definitions of food, water, and shelter requirements for domestic animals. Under the new law, “cruel neglect” now specifically includes failing to provide:

• Food fit for consumption and appropriate for the species
• Water suitable for drinking and appropriate for the species
• Access to adequate shelter that allows the animal to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, with particular provisions for outdoor dogs.

It also expands the requirement for medical attention - no longer just to prevent “protracted suffering,” but now to prevent unreasonable suffering. These changes may seem small, but they give us a clearer outline to work with when documenting violations, and they raise the standard for animal care statewide.

That said, even with these updates, the law’s definitions remain vague in some areas. What’s “adequate shelter” in a 70-degree March afternoon might not be in a 115-degree July afternoon. How much water is “sufficient,” and what makes it “suitable for drinking”? Those gray areas can help or hinder a case, depending on how well we’ve gathered and presented the facts. And that’s where our investigative precision comes in. But first, let’s talk Basics:

Who are our clients?

As private investigators, we’re typically called to assist with two categories of clients:

1. Law Enforcement Agencies:  We’re often contacted to support officers or prosecutors by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, photographing scenes, or conducting background research. While we don’t have arrest powers, we can document the facts that support      probable cause or prosecution. With police leaning more toward civilianizing many previously-sworn duties, this puts us in a unique position to be a force multiplier for our furry friends. 
2. Private Citizens:  These are the neighbors, rescuers, or pet owners who see something  wrong and want to do something about it. In these cases, we collect credible, admissible  evidence (ie: photographs, timelines, statements) that can be turned over to law enforcement or used in civil actions. We’re resources and advocates, helping the truth find its way into the right hands.  *Note: Always direct these clients to law enforcement first!

So, what animal cases do Arizona P.I’s typically get called for?

Although our statute is extensive, we typically handle five major categories of animal-related crimes:

1. Dogs Without Water or Shelter in the Heat:  Arizona’s summers are brutal, and this is one of the most common calls we receive. We document environmental conditions: temperature,      shade, water availability, and shelter structure. Under the new SB 1658 definitions, having “water suitable for drinking” and “adequate shelter” is no longer optional; it’s legally required.
2. Cruel Mistreatment:  This covers intentional harm, such as striking, torturing, or otherwise inflicting unnecessary injury. Our job is to collect clear evidence (photographs, veterinary reports, witness statements) to help prove whether the mistreatment was intentional      or reckless.
3. Abandonment: We see this far too often - animals left behind when owners move, travel, or simply stop showing up. We document conditions over time, track ownership through microchips or vet records, and help establish that the animal was knowingly left without care.
4. Failure to Provide Medical Care: When an animal is clearly njured or sick and the owner doesn’t seek treatment, it can constitute cruelty. The 2025 update to § 13-2910 strengthens our position here, since “unreasonable suffering” is now sufficient for prosecution. We often      consult veterinarians, gather medical records, and document the timeline of neglect.
5. Animal Poisoning: Whether deliberate or accidental, poisoning cases require technical investigation. We collect samples, interview neighbors, and coordinate lab testing to confirm      toxins. These cases are delicate and often hinge on proper evidence collection and chain of custody.

In each investigation, documentation is everything. Because statutory definitions can be open to interpretation, the burden falls on us to make the facts crystal clear. We measure temperatures, note the availability and condition of food and water, record shelter dimensions, document behavior, and take precise photographs. When terms like “adequate” or “sufficient” come up in court, our data and expertise provide the clarity. And this is why becoming comfortable with the statute is essential to your best investigation. The guiding principle in any animal case is simple: “Know thy Statute. But first, nail the definitions!”

Even though we don’t carry badges or make arrests, our work carries real weight. We provide the groundwork that law enforcement and courts rely on to secure justice for animals and hold offenders accountable. At the end of the day, animal investigations are about more than statutes and reports; they’re about compassion, professionalism, and ultimately, helping our police protect all life and property!

Author: Amanda Schlichting

AZ DPS PI License #1742340