The City of Chandler, with the assistance of the Arizona Humane Society, investigates reports of cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of animals.
An ongoing investigation of animal cruelty in Chandler has prompted the need to connect the community with information about the laws associated with animal cruelty and animal seizure. We offer this page to provide that information, update legal steps being taken and address frequently asked questions.
Background
On September 22, 2023, the Chandler Police Department received specific information from a veterinary professional regarding the conditions of three animals at a Chandler residence. That information prompted a search warrant to be served on the residence to check the welfare of the animals living in this home. That evening, the Chandler Police Department seized 55 dogs from that residence. The animals were placed in the custody of the Arizona Humane Society for medical attention and care.
State Laws and City Ordinances
Arizona State Statutes outline the laws that govern animal cruelty as well as the seizure and forfeiture of animals. City ordinances must comply with State Statutes.
- Arizona Animal Cruelty Law (A.R.S. § 13-2910) et. seq.
- Arizona Animal Seizure and Forfeiture Law (A.R.S. § 13-4281)
- Chandler City Code (Chapter 14 - Animals)
On Dec. 4, the City Council unanimously approved the final adoption of an ordinance that will update language in the city’s code to more specifically address animal cruelty, hoarding, restraint and seizure of animals. These efforts to revise city code began in February 2023 and the ordinance is available below. The changes in ALL CAPS beginning on page 15 of the document outline the new language, while the strikethrough text would be removed. The ordinance took effect in January 2024.
Animal Cruelty Case Status
Chandler Police released an update on the animal cruelty investigation. The 77 criminal misdemeanor charges will be prosecuted through the Chandler Municipal Court. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office also has filed a 24-count indictment of eight felony and 16 criminal misdemeanor charges. All of these charges relate to animal cruelty.
The city can prosecute misdemeanor charges through the municipal court, not felonies. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will prosecute the 24-count indictment of felony and misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office also announced an indictment on multiple fraud charges related to the animal rescue operation and financial exploitation. The case remains an open and ongoing investigation.
Animal Seizure Hearing Appeal Dismissed
The animal seizure hearing appeal filed by the operator of a special needs animal rescue in Chandler has been dismissed. The court denied the petitioner's request to extend the Jan. 2nd deadline to file a memorandum with the court. As a result, the Chandler Municipal Court's judgment issued Oct. 12 terminating the owner's rights to 13 dogs will stand.
The Chandler Municipal Court ruled that the dogs were subjected to cruel mistreatment, cruel neglect or abandonment in violation of the Arizona Animal Cruelty Law and terminated the owner’s rights to the dogs.
The Arizona Humane Society has placed the dogs with former owners, trusted rescue partners or by adoption.
The seized animals have been under the care of the Arizona Humane Society. Visit the Arizona Humane Society webpage for updates regarding the care being provided to the dogs. Now that the appeal has been dismissed, the Arizona Humane Society can begin the process of placing the dogs with former owners, trusted rescue partners or by adoption.
No. The animals seized by the Chandler Police Department have been placed under the care of the Arizona Humane Society until the appeal process concluded.
Chandler Police released an update regarding the animal cruelty investigation. 77 criminal misdemeanor charges have been filed with the Chandler Municipal Court. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office also has filed a 24-count indictment of felony and criminal misdemeanor charges related to animal cruelty. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office also has filed an indictment on multiple fraud charges related to the animal rescue operation and financial exploitation of the suspect's mother.
The pre-trial conference is an opportunity for the defendant and the defendant's attorney to meet with the prosecutor.
Due to a motion filed by the defendant's attorney, the pre-trial conference is now scheduled to occur on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 8:30 a.m. at the Chandler Municipal Court, 200 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85225.
It's not unusual for a municipal court date to be reset when a felony case involving the same defendant is pending.
No. The Chandler Municipal Court ruled that the owner subjected the animals to cruel mistreatment, neglect or abandonment and terminated the owner’s rights to the animals.
The Arizona Humane Society can return dogs that have microchips to the last known former owner or rescue group. If a dog does not have a microchip, the Arizona Humane Society can review veterinary records, photos and other information to place the animals with former owners, trusted rescue partners or by adoption.
Yes. The City of Chandler unanimously approved the final adoption of an ordinance to address animal cruelty, hoarding, restraint and seizure of animals that took effect in January 2024.
Based on direction from the City Council, staff review and propose modifications to ordinances. The City Council reviews and votes on a proposed ordinance at two different City Council meetings that are open to the public.
The first meeting is for the City Council to review and vote on a preliminary adoption of an ordinance. The second meeting is for the City Council to vote on a final adoption of an ordinance. An ordinance takes effect 30 days after the final adoption vote by the City Council.
The Arizona State Legislature is the governing body that considers changes to Arizona State Law. The resources provided by the Arizona League of Cities and Towns describe the process for an idea to become a bill in the Arizona State Legislature. They also illustrate the legislative steps that a bill must go through to become State Law in Arizona.