Arizona criminal charge
Cruelty to animals in Arizona
Current through 2026 Arizona legislative session
Cruelty to animals is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2910. Its classification is not fixed: Arizona assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by A.R.S. § 13-2910.
What is the penalty for cruelty to animals in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Cruel neglect/abandonment of animal under custody or control — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjects an animal under their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment (A.1).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Cruel neglect/abandonment of animal under custody or control — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjects an animal under their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment (A.1).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Failure to provide necessary medical attention to prevent protracted suffering — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering to an animal under their custody or control (A.2).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Failure to provide necessary medical attention to prevent protracted suffering — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering to an animal under their custody or control (A.2).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Unnecessary physical injury to an animal — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly inflicts unnecessary physical injury to any animal (A.3).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Unnecessary physical injury to an animal — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly inflicts unnecessary physical injury to any animal (A.3).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Reckless cruel mistreatment of animal — Applies when a person recklessly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment (A.4).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Reckless cruel mistreatment of animal — Applies when a person recklessly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment (A.4).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Killing another's animal without privilege or consent — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly kills an animal under the custody or control of another without legal privilege or owner consent (A.5).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Killing another's animal without privilege or consent — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly kills an animal under the custody or control of another without legal privilege or owner consent (A.5).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Reckless interference with or harm to working/service animal — Applies when a person recklessly interferes with, kills or harms a working or service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.6).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Reckless interference with or harm to working/service animal — Applies when a person recklessly interferes with, kills or harms a working or service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.6).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Leaving animal unattended and confined in vehicle — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly leaves an animal unattended and confined in a vehicle where injury or death is likely (A.7).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Leaving animal unattended and confined in vehicle — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly leaves an animal unattended and confined in a vehicle where injury or death is likely (A.7).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Reckless dog interference causing injury to service animal — Applies when a person recklessly allows a dog under their control to interfere with, kill or cause physical injury to a service animal (A.13).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Reckless dog interference causing injury to service animal — Applies when a person recklessly allows a dog under their control to interfere with, kill or cause physical injury to a service animal (A.13).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Harassment of law enforcement working animal in vehicle/trailer — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly harasses a working animal in a law enforcement vehicle or trailer without legal privilege or owner consent (A.17).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Harassment of law enforcement working animal in vehicle/trailer — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly harasses a working animal in a law enforcement vehicle or trailer without legal privilege or owner consent (A.17).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Failure to provide necessary medical attention to domestic animal — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to a domestic animal under their custody or control (A.18).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Failure to provide necessary medical attention to domestic animal — Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to a domestic animal under their custody or control (A.18).; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Intentional/knowing cruel neglect causing serious physical injury — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects an animal under their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment resulting in serious physical injury (A.8).; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Intentional/knowing cruel neglect causing serious physical injury — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects an animal under their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment resulting in serious physical injury (A.8).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment (A.9).; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment (A.9).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Intentional/knowing interference with working or service animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly interferes with a working or service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.10).; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Intentional/knowing interference with working or service animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly interferes with a working or service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.10).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Intentional/knowing dog interference causing injury to service animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly allows a dog under their control to interfere with, kill or injure a service animal (A.12).; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Intentional/knowing dog interference causing injury to service animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly allows a dog under their control to interfere with, kill or injure a service animal (A.12).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Unauthorized control over a service animal with intent to deprive handler — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over a service animal intending to deprive the handler of it (A.14).; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Unauthorized control over a service animal with intent to deprive handler — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over a service animal intending to deprive the handler of it (A.14).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Killing or seriously harming a service animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills or seriously harms a service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.11).; presumptive 1.5 years; mitigated 6 months / aggravated 2.5 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Killing or seriously harming a service animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills or seriously harms a service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.11).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of domestic animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects a domestic animal to cruel mistreatment (A.15).; presumptive 1.5 years; mitigated 6 months / aggravated 2.5 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of domestic animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects a domestic animal to cruel mistreatment (A.15).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Killing a domestic animal without privilege or consent — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills a domestic animal without legal privilege or the owner's or handler's consent (A.16).; presumptive 1.5 years; mitigated 6 months / aggravated 2.5 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Killing a domestic animal without privilege or consent — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills a domestic animal without legal privilege or the owner's or handler's consent (A.16).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Killing or causing serious harm to a working animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills or causes serious harm to a working animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.19).; presumptive 1.5 years; mitigated 6 months / aggravated 2.5 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Killing or causing serious harm to a working animal — Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills or causes serious harm to a working animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.19).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
Applies to current.
How is cruelty to animals classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruel neglect/abandonment of animal under custody or control | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjects an animal under their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment (A.1). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Failure to provide necessary medical attention to prevent protracted suffering | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering to an animal under their custody or control (A.2). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Unnecessary physical injury to an animal | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly inflicts unnecessary physical injury to any animal (A.3). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Reckless cruel mistreatment of animal | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person recklessly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment (A.4). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Killing another's animal without privilege or consent | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly kills an animal under the custody or control of another without legal privilege or owner consent (A.5). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Reckless interference with or harm to working/service animal | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person recklessly interferes with, kills or harms a working or service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.6). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Leaving animal unattended and confined in vehicle | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly leaves an animal unattended and confined in a vehicle where injury or death is likely (A.7). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Reckless dog interference causing injury to service animal | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person recklessly allows a dog under their control to interfere with, kill or cause physical injury to a service animal (A.13). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Harassment of law enforcement working animal in vehicle/trailer | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly harasses a working animal in a law enforcement vehicle or trailer without legal privilege or owner consent (A.17). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Failure to provide necessary medical attention to domestic animal | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to a domestic animal under their custody or control (A.18). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Intentional/knowing cruel neglect causing serious physical injury | Class 6 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects an animal under their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment resulting in serious physical injury (A.8). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of animal | Class 6 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment (A.9). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Intentional/knowing interference with working or service animal | Class 6 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly interferes with a working or service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.10). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Intentional/knowing dog interference causing injury to service animal | Class 6 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly allows a dog under their control to interfere with, kill or injure a service animal (A.12). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Unauthorized control over a service animal with intent to deprive handler | Class 6 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over a service animal intending to deprive the handler of it (A.14). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Killing or seriously harming a service animal | Class 5 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills or seriously harms a service animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.11). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of domestic animal | Class 5 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly subjects a domestic animal to cruel mistreatment (A.15). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Killing a domestic animal without privilege or consent | Class 5 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills a domestic animal without legal privilege or the owner's or handler's consent (A.16). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
| Killing or causing serious harm to a working animal | Class 5 Felony | Applies when a person intentionally or knowingly kills or causes serious harm to a working animal without legal privilege or owner consent (A.19). | A.R.S. § 13-2910H |
Common questions about cruelty to animals in Arizona
Is cruelty to animals a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: cruelty to animals ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 5 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-2910.
Cruel neglect/abandonment of animal under custody or control: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Failure to provide necessary medical attention to prevent protracted suffering: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Unnecessary physical injury to an animal: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Reckless cruel mistreatment of animal: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Killing another's animal without privilege or consent: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Reckless interference with or harm to working/service animal: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Leaving animal unattended and confined in vehicle: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Reckless dog interference causing injury to service animal: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Harassment of law enforcement working animal in vehicle/trailer: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Failure to provide necessary medical attention to domestic animal: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Intentional/knowing cruel neglect causing serious physical injury: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of animal: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Intentional/knowing interference with working or service animal: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Intentional/knowing dog interference causing injury to service animal: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Unauthorized control over a service animal with intent to deprive handler: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Killing or seriously harming a service animal: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Intentional/knowing cruel mistreatment of domestic animal: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Killing a domestic animal without privilege or consent: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H) · Killing or causing serious harm to a working animal: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2910H)
What are the penalties for cruelty to animals in Arizona?
Which Arizona statute covers cruelty to animals?
Cruelty to animals is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2910 (Cruelty to animals; interference with working or service animal; release conditions; classification; definitions).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.