Keeping animals safe and healthy in Tempe

Tempe, AZ - Animals in Tempe now have stronger protections-making sure they're safe in extreme weather, receive needed veterinary care, have proper outdoor shelter and more.

The new protections come through the work of the Animal Welfare and Cruelty Council Subcommittee. Led by Councilmember Berdetta Hodge, with Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid and Councilmember Jennifer Adams, the subcommittee spent the past year exploring ways to better support animals.

That work included aligning Tempe with Senate Bill 1658, known as "Jerry's Law," which protects more animal from harmful and potentially deadly situations.

"The recommendations put forward by the Animal Welfare and Cruelty Council Subcommittee reflect Tempe's ongoing commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of animals in our community," Councilmember Hodge said. "By strengthening our ordinance and expanding the definition of cruel neglect, we are ensuring that our policies keep pace with evolving best practices and provide clearer protections for vulnerable animals."

Tempe's updates are far reaching:

• The ordinance now adds new protections for animals left out in extreme weather without proper shelter to keep them safe from injury or illness.

• The definition of cruel neglect has been broadened. Along with failing to provide food, water and shelter, it now also includes failing to get an animal the veterinary care it needs.

• For dogs primarily living outdoors, necessary shelter must protect them from extreme weather, allow them to stand up and lie down comfortably, be kept in good condition to help prevent disease and be accessible year-round.

• Police are now allowed to use reasonable force to rescue an animal trapped in a car if they believe the animal is in imminent danger.

• The ordinance clearly defines domestic animals as mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians that are primarily kept as pets or companions.

"This work is the result of meaningful collaboration among residents, community partners and subject matter experts, and it reinforces Tempe's leadership in advancing animal welfare," Councilmember Hodge said.

Read the ordinance.