In the 2025 session of the State Legislature, a group of bipartisan legislators joined with the Arizona Humane Society, united by compassion, common sense, and the belief that our laws should reflect the basic decency of the people of this state.
Animal-welfare advocate, Sen. Shawna Bolick, R-Phoenix, drafted legislation that does exactly that. State Rep. Brian Garcia, D-Tempe, and I co-sponsored Senate Bill 1658.
Senate Bill 1658 is about setting a floor – not a ceiling – for how we treat animals in our care. It says, at the very least, every companion animal in Arizona deserves clean water, food fit to eat, shelter from the blistering sun, and medical attention when they are suffering.
Food, water, and shelter are not luxuries. They are the bare minimum.
This bill is not complicated. It is not controversial. And it is not partisan. In fact, it passed the Arizona Senate, where I serve, with overwhelming bipartisan support. That kind of margin is rare these days, and it speaks to the moral clarity of this issue.
We are not talking about sweeping new regulations. We are talking about providing law enforcement with clear guidelines so they can intervene before an animal endures prolonged suffering. Because right now, they often cannot—and that is unacceptable.
The Arizona Humane Society alone responds to over 20,000 calls a year related to animal cruelty and neglect. That is a staggering number.
Behind every call is a life – like Jerry, the brave little dog rescued from a horrific hoarding situation in Chandler. His story is heartbreaking, but it is also a call to action. We owe it to Jerry, who now lives his best life, and the thousands like him to make sure we never allow that level of suffering to go unchecked again.
This bill respects our values. It respects our communities. And yes, it even respects our rural and agricultural traditions, because the proposed legislation applies only to companion animals, not livestock or working animals as opponents have claimed.
In these concluding days of the Legislative session, it is time for the House of Representatives to act. SB 1658 is being “held” in the House, but a path forward is in sight. Now is not the time to roll over—we must keep speaking out, keep showing up, and keep pressing.
Our voices matter – your voice matters. Please contact your state legislator and Speaker of House Montenegro and ask them to bring SB 1658 across the finish line. Arizona’s animals are counting on us.
State Sen. Lauren Kuby represents Legislative District 8 (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, half of Tempe/Scottsdale, and slivers of Mesa and Phoenix). While Vice Mayor of Tempe, she led efforts to create a City Office of Animal Welfare.
