Animal Cruelty Resources
If you witness an animal being abused or neglected, act quickly.
What to do if you witness the crime
Your actions make a difference
Who to call. What to document. The law you need to know.
RESPOND AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WITH THESE STEPS
ACT FAST. FOLLOW UP. STAY ENGAGED.
- Call emergency services right away (911) if an animal is in immediate danger.
- Document everything: photos, videos, notes: include time, location, and what you observed. Get witness statements.
- Report to authorities: Contact the proper authorities (animal control, sheriff, or local police).
- Follow up, stay engaged, request updates, and offer to assist with the case.
- Escalate if needed call a supervisor, local officials (mayor, DA, city council), or the media to keep momentum.
- Keep copies of all records and evidence and always retain your own files before sharing.
Know The Law
New Pet Protection Bill
Jerry’s Law
SB 1658
Arizona’s landmark legislation strengthens animal welfare protections by expanding the definitions of cruelty and neglect and establishing clearer standards for pet care.
Know it BEFORE you witness abuse
If the response team isn’t well versed in animal protection laws, you can help guide police actions with your understanding of the statutes.
What it does
- Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly fail to provide necessary medical care to prevent suffering.
- Expands the legal definition of “domestic animal” to include birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Gives law enforcement clearer authority to act earlier in abuse or neglect cases.
Why it matters
- Fills gaps in prior laws where pets suffered from medical neglect without legal recourse.
- Empowers advocates and officers to protect animals before it’s too late.
- Inspired by Jerry, a dog left paralyzed and in pain, now thriving thanks to rescue and medical care.
Contact Numbers
Get Help
MARICOPA COUNTY
Agency Contact Numbers
Sheriff’s Office Animal Crimes Unit (M.A.S.H.)
Day: 602‑876‑1212 • After hours/emergency: 602‑876‑1011
Arizona Humane Society
Ambulance Service / Cruelty Investigations
602‑997‑7585 ext. 1 (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe)
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
602‑771‑3595
county-run shelter and compliance
Arizona Game & Fish
For wildlife cruelty or domestic/wildlife interface
602‑789‑3201
Silent Witness (Maricopa County)
Felony Animal Abuse in Maricopa)
480‑WITNESS (480‑948‑6377)
OTHER COUNTIES
Yavapai County Animal Cruelty Hotline
928‑771‑3595
MARICOPA COUNTY
Non-emergency City Contact Numbers
Local Animal Cruelty Reporting Contacts
City Police / Sheriff Non‑Emergency Numbers
Apache Junction: 480‑982‑8260
Buckeye: 623‑386‑4421
Chandler: 480‑782‑4130
El Mirage: 623‑933‑1341
Glendale: 623‑930‑3000
Mesa: 480‑644‑2211
Paradise Valley: 480‑948‑7410
Peoria: 623‑773‑8311
Phoenix: 602‑262‑6151
Scottsdale: 480‑312‑5000
Surprise: 623‑583‑1085
Tempe: 602‑997‑7585
Tolleson: 623‑936‑7186
PACC911 ALUMNI
Here today only because people just like you acted when they needed it most.
