Animal cruelty: Arizona Humane Society partners up with state senator on new bill
PHOENIX - Officials with the Arizona Humane Society announced on Jan. 16 that they are partnering up with an Arizona state senator to introduce a bill related to animal cruelty.
In the statement, Humane Society officials said Senate Bill 1047, which was introduced to the state legislature by State Sen. T.J. Shope, aims to protect more pets by strengthening the state's current animal cruelty laws. State Sen. Shope represents the state's 16th Legislative District, which covers portions of Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima Counties.
"Specifically, the bill defines cruelty to companion animals as failure to provide necessary medical attention, defines food and water that are fit for consumption, ensures shelter is safe, and provides protection during extreme weather conditions," read a portion of the statement.
'House of Horrors': Last dogs reunite with rescues
On the same day a bill was announced to strengthen existing animal cruelty laws in Arizona, officials with the Arizona Humane Society reunited the last five dogs seized from the Chandler home of April McLaughlin with animal rescues. FOX 10's Lauren Clark reports.
AHS officials say the proposed bill comes amid an increase in animal abuse cases.
"In 2023, AHS responded to nearly 15,000 calls for service and initiated close to 10,000 animal abuse investigations, representing a substantial 21 percent increase from the previous year," a portion of the statement read.
AHS' statement also mentioned the so-called ‘House of Horrors’ animal abuse case, which resulted in the seizure of 55 special needs dogs from a Chandler home.
"It’s a bittersweet day where we recognize and remember the pain and agony these dogs endured in April McLaughlin’s home. At the same time, we share movement forward with the introduction of SB1047, so no pet will ever suffer in the same way again. Until every pet in the Valley is in a safe home, our work will continue," said AHS President and CEO Dr. Steven Hansen, in the statement.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has endorsed the bill.
"This should be as non-partisan as anything. This is to protect animals," said Mitchell.
Last of pets involved in ‘House of Horrors’ case reunited with groups
On Jan. 16, the last five dogs pulled from the Chandler home involved in the aforementioned animal abuse case were reunited with rescues.
The pups, named Skylar, Maddie, Zander, Zilly BIlly, and Kody, had quite the journey from the time they were pulled out of the home to today.
"The dogs required a substantial amount of medical treatment, and special assistance for mobility issues, and extra love as they healed from living in such deplorable conditions," said Dr. Hansen.