ANIMAL FIGHTING REWARD PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard was joined by Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall, Kari Neinstadt of the Humane Society of the United States and Marsh Myers of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to announce a join effort to bust dogfighters and cockfighters.

Attorney General Terry Goddard and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat cockfighting and dogfighting. At a joint press conference on April 30th, they announced that The HSUS is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting.

“Animal fighting is a violent crime that causes horrible animal suffering and I am glad to help law enforcement by announcing this reward,” said Attorney General Goddard. “Arizona law has no tolerance for those who abuse animals for entertainment.”

Dogfighting and cockfighting are both class 5 felonies in Arizona, punishable by a maximum $150,000 fine and/or nine months to two years of imprisonment.

“The people of Arizona are fortunate to have a champion against animal fighting in Attorney General Goddard,” said Kari Nienstedt, Arizona state director for The HSUS. “We are proud to partner with him on this important program to help put those who fight animals behind bars.”

In February, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department — with the assistance of The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona — raided four properties following an 11-month investigation of dogfighting king-pins Mahlon Patrick and T.L. Williams. More than 150 dogs were seized and six people were arrested for felony dogfighting.

“We are especially grateful to join Sheriff Dupnik and County Attorney LaWall in announcing this reward program,” added Nienstedt. “Pima County recently succeeded in dismantling a major dogfighting ring and we know they will continue to be vigilant against this despicable crime.”



ENFORCEMENT WILL BE VIGILANT TO HELP ANIMALS CAUGHT IN THE SUMMER HEAT!
The Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona [ACT] and its member agencies will be working hard in the coming weeks to raise awareness about the dangers of our summer heat on domesticated animals such as cats and dogs.

ACT has historically concentrated its efforts on the two greatest problems facing animals during hot weather: animals confined to unattended cars and animals left on tie-outs. This year, the taskforce will also be addressing the illegal vending of animals on street corners, in parking lots or on road sides. State, county and city ordinances all prohibit the confinement of animals in vehicles when conditions exist that may threaten the animal’s life or well-being. Such conditions may include extremely hot temperatures like we are already experiencing in southern Arizona. Both natives and visitors will regularly make the mistake of leaving their animals to suffer under these dangerous conditions in public parking lots, at malls, movie theaters, supermarkets, etc.

Arizona Revised Statute 13-2910-A7 allows police and animal control officers to use reasonable means to remove the animal from the vehicle, including breaking out windows. Officers can take these steps and provide emergency medical care to the animal without the owner’s knowledge or consent. If the animal suffers any serious bodily damage or death, the owner could be arrested and charged with felony-level animal cruelty.

Tie-outs are illegal in Pima County, the City of Tucson and most surrounding communities. Animals on tie-outs are under extreme risk during the summer heat. Often, dogs confined to ropes, tethers and chains have restricted access to shade, shelter, water and food. Some owners may increase the stress on the animal by applying heavy chains unsuitable for pets, or attaching a tether to a heavy object like cinder blocks, tires or weights. If left in the heat, animals living under these conditions are at extreme risk for illness or death. All animals are required to have access to appropriate shelter which will protect them from the elements, good ventilation and drinkable water under city, county and state laws.

No animal (defined as a mammal, reptile, amphibian or bird) can be sold, given away or otherwise transferred in public areas such as on public street, roadway, right-of-way, sidewalk, park or swap meet in Pima County. In the city of Tucson, the law prohibits the sale or transfer of ownership of animals on or from any public street, roadway, right of way, sidewalk and park except as provided by the Tucson Code. Police, animal control and humane organizations see a marked increase in complaints about illegal animal vending during the hot summer months, when the animals may be confined to vehicles, boxes or cages; set on hot surfaces such as pavement or concrete; denied water; or exposed to direct sunlight for hours at a time. The summer months also mark the peak of puppy and kitten season, and many unwanted litters are disposed of in this manner. Additional information on all these laws can be found by clicking here.

Police and animal control officers will be vigilant this summer to provide education and enforcement on these issues. ACT is asking for assistance by encouraging the public to contact 911 for animal-related emergencies such as confinement to hot cars. Welfare complaints can also be phone into the Pima Animal Care Center at (520) 243-5900. Additional information on enforcement issues can be found online at www.pimaanimalcare.org. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona offers additional useful services, including free information on summer and home safety for pets; and low-cost spay / neuter services to help solve the overpopulation problem. HSSA can be contacted at (520) 327-6088 or online at www.hssaz.org.

For additional information on keeping animals safe during the summer months, click here.