CHANDLER, Ariz. — Chandler's city council has tentatively agreed to changes to the city's code after a recent case of animal abuse in which dozens of animals were seized.
Thursday evening, members of the council unanimously voted to amend Chapter 14 of the city code.
MORE INFORMATION: Dozens of dogs seized from Chandler home
The new ordinance allows for a more clear definition of animal cruelty.
Added to the definition of animal cruelty are:
- Failing to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering
- Intentionally leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle
- Allowing any dog to interfere, kill or cause physical injured to a service animal
It also more clearly defines animal hoarding to include:
- If a person possesses animals under circumstances injurious to health or welfare of any animal
- Abandonment
- Unsanitary, overcrowded, other inhumane conditions
- Failure to provide medical care
- Failure to provide suitable water and necessary food appropriate for species
The code is also modified to include instances of improper dog restraint. Instances include:
- Collar not properly fitted to the dog
- Length of restraint is shorter than ten feet
- Places the dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
- Restraint causes injury to the dog
- Restraint does not allow dog to access food, water, shade and shelter
The new ordinance updates specifications for dog seizure if cruelty is suspected: "Peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe that very prompt action is required to protect the health or safety of the animal."
The final adoption of the new ordinance will happen on Dec. 4 and it will go into effect in January 2024.
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