AZ SB1265

Expands animal cruelty definitions to include a new offense of intentionally, knowingly or recklessly hoarding animals in conditions that may cause harm to their health or safety.

Increases penalties for certain animal cruelty violations from class 1 misdemeanor to class 6 felony for second or subsequent offenses involving paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, and 14.

Modifies language in animal cruelty statutes to replace "protracted" with "unreasonable" when describing suffering and clarifies that failure to provide food and water includes species-appropriate and suitable provisions.

Permits courts to order psychological evaluations and counseling at the defendant's expense before sentencing for animal cruelty convictions.

Clarifies that lawful activities involving hunting, ranching, farming, rodeos, livestock shows, fairs, auctions, and security services are not prohibited under animal cruelty provisions.