AZ HB2873

Amends animal cruelty law to create a new offense for intentionally or knowingly releasing a domestic animal or horse into the wild, remote areas, or property not owned/controlled by the owner, or otherwise abandoning an animal.

Establishes penalties for animal abandonment: first offense requires minimum $500 fine per animal, restitution to rescuers and veterinarians, and 7-day driver's license suspension; second or subsequent offense requires minimum $1,000 fine per animal, restitution, 14-day license suspension, 5-year animal contact prohibition, and registry placement.

Requires property managers to report all abandoned animals to appropriate law enforcement agencies or face a $1,000 civil penalty.

Requires landlords to report all abandoned animals to appropriate law enforcement agencies or face a $1,000 civil penalty.

Defines "abandonment" as either forsaking or neglecting legal care obligations for an animal, or relinquishing ownership rights without providing lawful transfer to a subsequent owner.