PAWS for Laws (Phoenix Animal Welfare Solutions) is a community-led initiative aimed at addressing the serious issues of dog overpopulation and animal cruelty in Phoenix. Through stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws and a push for better collaboration among local agencies, our goal is to ensure safer neighborhoods for both animals and residents, particularly in underserved communities.

Phoenix is facing an animal welfare crisis. In underserved communities, issues like dog overpopulation, backyard breeding, and animal cruelty go unchecked. The lack of enforcement from agencies like the AZ Humane Society and local police has left many dogs neglected or mistreated, and the existing legal framework often falls short of protecting them.

• Animal over-population predominately impacts underserved communities within the city.
• Unchecked backyard breeding without any owner accountability continues to exacerbate the problem within underserved communities.
• No law enforcement accountability or owner accountability for animal cruelty/neglect/backyard breeding hence, the problem continues as animals are born to suffer and the cycle goes on.

The City of Phoenix is under contract with the AZ Humane Society (AZHS), a third-party contractor, to provide support of city-led animal abuse and neglect investigations according to the contract.

• AZHS has no contractual responsibility to enforce animal cruelty/neglect ordinances.
• AZHS not contractually obligated to take action on complaints.
• The City of Phoenix Police Department directs complaints to AZHS which is not under any obligation to address the complaint.
• AZHS is not obligated to take action on a concerned citizens call.
• AZHS rarely, if ever, takes action on abused/neglected dogs considered “unadoptable” to control costs and limit the number of animals within their shelters.
• No transparency with respect to any metrics or data collected by AZHS on City of Phoenix animal abuse and neglect complaints.
• Abusers continue to abuse because there is no enforced owner accountability.
• Maricopa County Animal Care & Control does not actively enforce animal licensing ordinances.

PAWS for Laws is built on a comprehensive approach to solving dog overpopulation and animal cruelty issues. Our solution, P.A.W.S., focuses on the following pillars:

• Legislative Reform: We advocate for stronger and updated animal welfare laws that close gaps in current ordinances and improve enforcement.
• Owner Accountability: We push for clearer regulations around dog ownership, ensuring pet owners are held responsible for neglect or cruelty.
• Collaboration with Local Agencies: We work with organizations like the AZ Humane Society, local law enforcement, and animal control to create a unified response to dog-related issues.
• Community Engagement: Education and outreach programs to inform residents about responsible pet ownership and how they can contribute to solving the problem.

You can make a difference in the fight against animal cruelty and neglect in Phoenix! Here's how:

• If you have not already done so, please license your pets at the appropriate pet licensing department for your place of residence. This funding is important for services provided in our communities for the benefit of all.
• Educate Yourself
  Read up on the problem and learn more about animal cruelty laws and overpopulation in Phoenix. Knowledge is the first step toward creating change.
• Get Involved
  • Sign petitions to support stronger laws.
  • Attend community meetings to learn more and voice your concerns.
  • Volunteer with Paws for Laws or partner organizations to make a hands-on difference.
• Contact Local Officials
  Reach out to City of Phoenix officials and urge them to support the Paws for Laws initiative. Use the provided templates or email addresses to contact your representatives and demand action.
• Spread the Word
  Help us raise awareness by sharing the Paws for Laws initiative with your network! Share the website link on social media, through email, or in your community.

Email address for City of Phoenix City Council Members:

Mayor Kate Gallego: mayor.gallego@phoenix.gov

Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari: council.district.7@phoenix.gov

District 1 Ann O’Brien: council.district.1@phoenix.gov

District 2 Jim Waring: council.district.2@phoenix.gov

District 3 Debra Stark: council.district.3@phoenix.gov

District 4 Laura Pastor: council.district.4@phoenix.gov

District 5 Betty Guardado: council.district.5@phoenix.gov

District 6 Kevin Robinson: council.district.6@phoenix.gov

District 7 Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari: council.district.7@phoenix.gov

District 8 Kesha Hodge Washington: council.district.8@phoenix.gov