Animal abusers would lose the right for anyone in their household to have a pet for at least two years under the terms of legislation approved Thursday by the state House.
The legislation by Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, is based on the fact that nothing in current law precludes someone convicted of animal cruelty can immediately obtain a new pet. HB 2073, approved on a 44-12 vote, would require anyone convicted to transfer all animals to someone else not living in the same house or an animal welfare or rescue organization.
His legislation would allow an individual to ask a court for permission to once again own an animal. But that would require a "showing of good cause'' and could not happen for at least two years following the conviction.
To pick up necessary votes, Kavanagh agreed to add language that says an abuse conviction does not preclude someone from engaging in ranching or commercial horse training. But that was still not enough to satisfy all the foes.
"I am not supportive of animal abuse in any form,'' said Rep. Lisa Otondo, D-Yuma. But Otondo said she could not vote for the measure "as a sheep herder's daughter, farmer and representative from rural Arizona.
Kavanagh acknowledged that his legislation, which now goes to the Senate, would mean that the conviction of anyone in a house of abuse means no one could have a pet. But he said that is necessary to protect the welfare of the animal.
aaarrrggghhh posted at 11:01 pm on Sat, Mar 2, 2013.
Some of the "rescue" groups operating now in Phoenix area are little better than some of these abusers themselves. My experience as a foster for at least two of them was that it was hard to get ahold of someone if I needed help or questions answered, they did not pay for the vet expenses of the animals in spite of stating in the foster agreement they would, not all the animals they had me fostering had been properly immunized and vetted, and one "foster coordinator" was particularly difficult and downright harassing in terms of her dealings with fosters. If legislation is passed mandating people turn animals over to rescues, there needs to be some oversight to the "rescues" the animals are handed over to.
Rich posted at 7:48 am on Sun, Mar 3, 2013.
Is there any part of our lives these mental midgets can't invade? Our pets are no business of our government. None, zippo, ziltch, period. They can't handle the economy, we've been at war for seven years, so they can't handle guarding the shore, in fact they probably can't handle enforcing this law. This isn't government, it's anarchy, unenforceable laws on everything, your pets, your car seats, what's next the direction you hang your TP? Check out Kavanaugh's connections to 'rescue' groups that are charging $200 and up for you to rescue an animal and I'll think you'll find the method behind this madness.