Pet Owners, Please Take Note:
Tucson and Pima County have very specific laws which provide standards
for adequate care and protection of animals. Section 4-7 of the Tucson
City Code and Section 6.04.110 of the Pima County Ordinance include
penalties up to $1,000.00 and/or six months in jail for any violation.
For more information, visit the Animal Cruelty Task Force of Southern
Arizona website.
Leash & License | Hot Cars | Food & Water | Chaining
Cruelty | Abandonment | Medical Care
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Shelter Is Essential
The law requires that animals must have easy access to natural or artificial
shelter which protects them from extreme desert temperature. The shelter
must also provide adequate ventilation and drainage, and must be available
throughout the year.
Any artificial shelter, such as a dog house, must be well-built and
maintained in good repair. It must be large enough for the animals to
enter, stand, turn around and lie down in a natural manner.
During warmer weather, it is critically important that animals have
access to shade at all times during the day. Remember, as the sun moves
across the sky, shady spots often become sunny spots. Be certain that
your pet can get to shade at all times during the day.
The law also requires that animals be kept in a clean and healthful
environment, free from accumulated feces(dog droppings). Keeping the
animal's area clean reduces odors and insects, makes for a more pleasant
area for your pets, and will reduce the possibility of neighbor complaints.
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Leash and License are Mandatory
Pima County's Leash Law prohibits you from allowing your dog to run
at large outside your property at any time. Your dog must be kept confined
to your home or property, either inside the home or within a walled
or fenced yard or area on your property. If you are within the city limits and you take your dog outside
of its confined area, it must be restrained on a leash that is no longer
than six feet in length.
If your dog is on a leash, it will be safely under your control and
will be less likely to be hit and killed by a car, to be lost, or to
suffer any of the many tragedies that often befall free-roaming animals.
It is required by law that your dog wear a collar displaying its current
Pima County license. In addition to the license tag, it is a good idea
to attach a separate tag which list your name, current address and telephone
number.
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Hot Cars are Deadly
Children and pets die every year in hot cars in the Southwest.
The temperature inside your car can reach 130-160° F in just
a few minutes, even on a pleasant day. Leaving pets inside a closed
car, or even one with the windows rolled down, is dangerous, deadly,
and illegal.
Report children or pets in hot cars to the police immediately by calling
911.
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Food and Water
The law requires that animals be provided with the basic needs of life,
including food, water and shelter. All animals must receive food on
a daily basis; that food must be free from contamination, and must be
offered in a quantity and quality sufficient to maintain the animal's
good health.
Animals must also have access to clean, drinkable water. Water should
always be provided in a container which cannot be tipped over or spilled.
Animals will not drink warm water, so be sure to situate the container
where it will not be heated by the sun during the day.
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Chaining Pets is Illegal
Be advised that chaining or tying your dog is illegal in Tucson and
Pima County. A dog that is chained or tied is at the mercy of the elements;
it may become entangled in the chain itself, unable to move or reach
its source of water - death can occur quickly in the desert heat. The
dog's access to food, water, shade and shelter may easily become restricted
or eliminated because of a chain or tie-out.
Besides being dangerous, tie-outs and chains can cause frustration
and aggressiveness, increasing the possibility of dog bites. The safest
alternative to a chain or tie-out is a securely fenced yard. "Escape
artists" may be safely confined in covered kennel runs. For information
on safely confining your pet, please call the Humane Society of Southern
Arizona at 520.327.6088 or Pima Animal Care at 520.743.7550.
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Cruelty
It is illegal to beat, torment, hurt or otherwise harm any animal in
any manner. People who beat their animals or otherwise cause an animal
to suffer pain or discomfort can be charged with a crime. If you see
such a crime being committed, please call Pima Animal Care at 520.743.7550.
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Abandonment
It is not only cruel to deliberately abandon an animal, it is also illegal.
Domestic animals cannot fend for themselves; they frequently fall victim
to cars, the desert elements, and native predators.
If you find that you can no longer care for a pet of any kind, please
take it to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or Pima Animal Care
Center. Calls regarding stray or abandoned animals should be directed
to Pima County Animal Care.
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Medical Care Required by Law
You must provide your animal with proper medical care. This means that
if your pet is injured, is sick, or becomes infested with parasites,
you are responsible for getting adequate veterinary attention so that
it remains in good health and does not suffer.
If, for any reason, you are unable to afford adequate veterinary care,
you are still required by law to prevent the animal from suffering.
Call the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or Pima Animal Care for
more information.
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