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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
small animal seizure; bond amount
Purpose
Increases, from $25 per animal to $500 per animal, the bond that a person must post to cover the cost of care for an animal that was properly seized by law enforcement.
Background
Statute requires a peace officer, county enforcement agent or animal control officer who lawfully seizes an animal to provide a notice of seizure to the owner or affix the notice in a conspicuous place. The notice must include: 1) the name, business address and telephone number of the person providing the notice; 2) a description of the seized animal; 3) the authority and purpose for the seizure; 4) a statement that specifies the requirements for a person to receive a postseizure hearing; 5) a statement that the owner is responsible for the cost of care for a properly seized animal and is required to post a $25 bond per animal; and 6) a warning that if the owner fails to post bond within 10 days the animal will become property of the seizing agency. Failure to post bond, request a hearing or attend a scheduled hearing results in all rights of the owner transferring to the seizing agency (A.R.S. ยง 13-4281).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Increases, from $25 per animal to $500 per animal, the bond that a person must post to cover the cost of care for an animal that was properly seized by law enforcement.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 24, 2025
ZD/AW/ci