Lieutenant Karen Hudson of the Phoenix Police Property Crimes Bureau presented an update on animal‑crimes operations and recent ordinance changes at the Jan. 7 PSJA meeting.

Hudson said revisions to the city's animal ordinance in 2023 clarified definitions (for example, 'adequate' shelter and tethering language) and improved enforcement guidance for officers. She told the subcommittee that bookings for animal cruelty rose following the ordinance (2021: 29; 2022: 27; 2023: 37; 2024: 34) and that the city received 249 Phoenix 311 reports after the September 2023 launch of a dedicated reporting flow.

Hudson explained how the 311 system routes complaints to four stakeholders — Phoenix PD, the Arizona Humane Society, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, or Neighborhood Services — and said most first responses are educational letters aimed at compliance. “They are able to report this into a website. They don't have to call an officer to come out to their house,” she said, describing the system.

The presentation clarified agency roles: Hudson said the Arizona Humane Society conducts cruelty investigations and handles seizure and care of animals when necessary, while Maricopa County Animal Care and Control addresses loose dogs, bites and licensing.

Hudson also described a 2025 ordinance change (referencing 'senate bill 16 58' and ARS language) that replaced a 'protracted suffering' threshold with an 'unreasonable suffering' standard, which she said makes it easier for officers to act earlier to prevent harm — a change motivated in part by the Chandler “Chandler 55” case. "This allows officers a lot more leeway and it's a lot easier to identify unreasonable suffering than it is to sit and watch an animal suffer over time," she said.

Council members asked about supports for owners who take on too many animals; Hudson said the department refers people to the Arizona Humane Society (the city's contracted partner), conducts outreach and can arrange welfare checks and, in some cases, free veterinary assistance.

Next steps: Hudson said ongoing trainings, revised seizure forms and quarterly interagency meetings will continue; the department plans a training video and other materials for city officers by May 2026.