AZ HB2172

Requires persons convicted of animal cruelty felonies (including cruelty to animals, animal fighting, and bestiality) to register with the Arizona Department of Public Safety within 5-10 days of conviction.

Establishes a central animal abuser registry maintained by the Department of Public Safety, searchable by name and available to the public on its website beginning December 31, 2020.

Mandates that animal sellers, rescues, and adoption organizations search the registry before transferring companion animals (dogs and cats) to prospective owners; prohibits transferring animals to persons listed on the registry.

Specifies registration periods of 5 years for first offense and 10 years for subsequent offenses, with requirements to update photograph and residence address annually.

Imposes class 1 misdemeanor penalties for failure to register or update information, and civil penalties of at least $1,000 for knowingly transferring animals to listed abusers.