Phoenix City Council Approves Revisions to Animal Cruelty Ordinance
The Phoenix City Council recently approved revisions to the city’s Animal Cruelty Ordinance following a comprehensive evaluation by city staff, in collaboration with various animal welfare organizations and city departments. There are two major updates to the Phoenix Animal Cruelty Ordinance Phoenix pet owners need to be aware of:
- The newly updated definition of “adequate shelter.” To read the newly updated, lawful definition of “adequate shelter,” please visit their website: https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2847
- The city now bans pet owners from using a chain to tether their animals. To learn what methods are allowed and considered lawful, please visit their website: https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2847
The Arizona Pet Project’s View on the City Ordinances Through an Equity Lens
The Arizona Pet Project’s vision statement is a happier, healthier, and safer community for all people and pets. We understand that city ordinances are put in place with the idea of achieving a similar goal.
However, we also know from decades of work in the community that enforcement of city codes like these disproportionately occurs in low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods, resulting in the removal of loved pets who are then taken to overcrowded shelters where they face an uncertain fate.
It is our hope that we can get this information out to as many pet owners in Phoenix as possible about what is expected under the new ordinance and what support is available for those in need of assistance. In this way, we can prevent unnecessary impounding of family pets and keep their bond intact.
The best way to help pets (and their families) across Arizona is by building a culture of partnership and support and developing deep and meaningful relationships. Punitive measures are not proven to create change. Change is, however, created when people have access to the supplies, resources, and information they need – like building or repairing fences, provision of portable dog houses, kiddie pools, supplies, appropriate tethering equipment, spay/neuter, and pet food when someone is going through a rough financial period, as so many Phoenicians are right now.
We call on the Phoenix City Council to work with community-based organizations, including The Arizona Pet Project, to make sure that those who are in need have access to the resources necessary to keep their pets healthy, safe, out of shelters, and in compliance with these new ordinances.
For more information, questions, or to contact Phoenix City Council about these updates, please visit their website: https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2847
El Código contra la crueldad de los animales prohíbe las cadenas; obliga a tener refugio
El gobierno municipal de Phoenix acaba de aprobar una actualización de la ley contra la crueldad hacia los animales. Esta actualización es el resultado de una revisión de la ley por parte del personal municipal, con la colaboración de organizaciones protectoras de animales y varios departamentos municipales.
De los cambios realizados, dos son importantes de notar. Se han actualizado la definición de refugio adecuado y los tipos de amarres que puede utilizar el dueño de un perro. Se han prohibido las cadenas como opción para amarrar a un perro.
El primer cambio importante de la Ley contra la Crueldad Animal fue modificar la definición de refugio adecuado. El texto exacto de la ley 8-3.K.8 dice ahora:
Refugio adecuado significa cualquier cobertizo natural o artificial accesible a un animal durante todo el año, que sea estructuralmente sólida, mantenida en buen estado para proteger al animal de heridas, y de tamaño suficiente para permitir al animal entrar, estar de pie, darse la vuelta y acostarse de forma natural. Un refugio adecuado debe proteger al animal de condiciones climáticas extremas, tener ventilación y drenaje adecuados, y mantenerse de forma que se reduzca al mínimo el riesgo de enfermedades, infestaciones o parásitos.
El segundo cambio importante de la ley sobre crueldad de los animales fue prohibir a los dueños de animales el uso de cadenas para amarrarlos. Los dueños que utilicen cadenas podrán ser multados por el delito de sujeción ilegal de perros 8-3.08.A.5. El texto exacto de la nueva ley es así:
Amarre significa una cuerda, soga, correa, cable o cualquier otro artículo que NO SEA UNA CADENA que amarra a un perro a un objeto fijo o a un sistema de correas
Lea la ley actualizada aquí: https://phoenix.municipal.codes/CC/8.
Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda para cumplir con estas nuevas reglas, por favor, póngase en contacto con The Arizona Pet Project
