1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The current definition of animal cruelty in this state is outdated and fails to adequately protect animals from abuse and neglect. Narrowing the scope to only deliberate acts of cruelty overlooks many common forms of mistreatment that animals routinely suffer. Expanding the legal definition to include negligent actions that cause unjustified pain, suffering or death would greatly strengthen protections for domestic pets, livestock, and wildlife. This common-sense reform aligns with evolving societal values and the overwhelming public sentiment that all creatures capable of experiencing pain deserve basic legal safeguards against cruelty and mistreatment. I urge you to support efforts to modernize our state's animal cruelty laws for the 21st century.