ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: JUD DP 8-1-0-0

HB 2076: domestic violence; definition; animal abuse

Sponsor: Representative Parker B, LD 10

Caucus & COW

Overview

Adds certain cruelty to animals offenses to the list of offenses that may qualify as domestic violence under certain circumstances.

History

Current law outlines a list of existing criminal offenses that may constitute domestic violence if the defendant has a certain relationship with the victim, such as being family members, having a child in common or sharing a residence together.

Peace officers are required to follow certain protocols when handling suspected domestic violence incidents and gives them the ability to arrest suspects for probable cause; inquire and seize firearms that may pose potential risk to the victim or others; and inform the alleged or potential victim about resources and procedures for their protection. Additionally, harsher sentencing may apply in domestic violence cases if the victim is pregnant at the time of the incident (A.R.S § 13-3601).

A person can commit the offense of cruelty to animals in numerous ways that are enumerated in A.R.S. § 13-2910. Specifically, under subsection A, paragraph 14, a person commits the offense by intentionally or knowingly subjecting a domestic animal to cruel mistreatment. Moreover, under subsection A, paragraph 15, a person commits the offense by intentionally or knowingly killing a domestic animal without either legal privilege or consent of the domestic animal's owner or handler. For purposes of this statute, cruel mistreatment means to torture or otherwise inflict unnecessary serious physical injury on an animal or to kill an animal in a manner that causes protracted suffering to the animal.

Provisions

1. Adds cruelty to animals under A.R.S. § 13-2910, subsection A, paragraphs 14 and 15 to the list of offenses that can qualify as domestic violence. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

5. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

6. HB 2076

7. Initials JL/MB Page 0 Caucus & COW

9. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------