AZ SB1281

Upgrades the classification for certain animal cruelty violations from class 6 felony to class 5 felony, specifically for intentional or knowing violations involving cruel neglect/abandonment resulting in serious injury, cruel mistreatment, interference with working/service animals, allowing dogs to harm service animals, and unauthorized control of service animals.

Maintains class 1 misdemeanor penalties for reckless animal cruelty violations and violations involving unattended animals in motor vehicles.

Preserves existing defenses related to poison use for protecting livestock and controlling rodents on owned or controlled property.

Maintains liability provisions requiring convicted persons to compensate owners for replacement and training costs, veterinary bills, handler salary losses, and contractual losses related to working or service animals.

Preserves exemptions for wildlife activities, agricultural activities regulated under title 3, and activities regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department or Arizona Department of Agriculture.