PHOENIX — Phoenix residents who don't provide adequate shelter or safely restrain their pets can now face penalties from the city.
The City of Phoenix announced this week it had updated its animal cruelty codes to better protect dogs from being subjected to adverse living conditions. One revision changes the city's definition of "adequate shelter" for a pet.
"Adequate shelter must protect the animal from extreme weather conditions, have adequate ventilation and drainage, and maintained in a manner which minimizes the risk of disease, infestations, or parasites," the ordinance now reads.
The city's codes were also updated to ban chains from being used to restrain dogs. Phoenix's definition of a restraint now means "a rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device other than a chain that attaches a dog to a stationary object."
Those who violate this city code may be cited and be forced to pay a financial penalty.
Phoenix chose to make the code changes after receiving input from animal welfare organizations.
The updated city codes can be read here.
UP TO SPEED
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.