AZ HB2137

Creates new offense for owners/caretakers of aggressive dogs who fail to prevent escape or control the dog off-property, with class 1 misdemeanor for failure to control and class 3 misdemeanor for allowing escape.

Expands sterilization methods for dogs and cats released from pounds and shelters to include FDA/USDA/EPA-approved nonsurgical sterilization procedures, not just surgical spaying or neutering.

Increases penalties for owners of dogs with history of biting or vicious propensity from class 1 misdemeanor to class 5 felony when the dog bites or injures someone while at large.

Adds new class 1 misdemeanor offense for owners of dangerous dogs who fail to take reasonable care to prevent the dog from escaping a residence or enclosed area/yard/structure.

Creates class 3 felony offense when a person intentionally causes a dog to bite and inflict serious physical injury on a human being, unless justified by self-defense.