AZ HB2372

Adds requirement that judicial officers impose a condition prohibiting possession or contact with any animal when releasing a person on recognizance or bail if that person is currently on probation for animal cruelty and is charged with a new animal cruelty violation.

Maintains existing classifications for animal cruelty violations: class 1 misdemeanor for reckless violations and certain intentional acts; class 6 felony for intentional or knowing violations involving serious injury or certain service animal offenses; class 5 felony for intentional or knowing violations involving domestic animals.

Preserves existing defenses to animal cruelty charges, including use of poison to protect livestock and rodent control in and around buildings.

Clarifies that local ordinances cannot prohibit dog activities directly related to shepherding or herding livestock when necessary for safety.