Arizona Animal Cruelty and Hoarding Statute

A.R.S. Section 13-2910 makes it unlawful to fail to provide medical attention, food, water, or shelter necessary for an animal's health. Hoarding cases typically result in multiple counts of cruelty or neglect, with each animal a separate count. Aggravated cruelty involving intentional or knowing harm is a class 6 felony. Local jurisdictions may add their own animal welfare codes, but the state cruelty statute applies universally and provides the floor for enforcement.

Basic cruelty is a class 1 misdemeanor; intentional or knowing cruelty is a class 6 felony, punishable by jail, fines, and forfeiture of animals.