County Animal Ordinance Set to Include ‘Criminal Negligence’ Clause

Dog owners in Mohave County may soon face criminal charges if their animals inflict injury due to perceived negligence. A pivotal vote by the Mohave County Board of Supervisors is set for Monday, where officials will consider adding a “criminal negligence” clause to the county’s animal ordinances.

If passed, the revision would hold dog owners accountable if they fail to recognize a substantial risk that their pet could attack. The proposed changes aim to enhance existing regulations on animal control within the county.

Criminal negligence under Arizona law falls within the realm of Class 2 misdemeanors. This could lead to penalties including probation, fines up to $750, or a maximum of four months in jail, depending on the severity of the case.

The Mohave County Attorney’s Office proposed this addition last month, highlighting a pressing need for stronger statutes amid rising incidents. Data from 2023 reveals that the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 291 reports of aggressive animals, averaging nearly 24 per month—this includes 192 documented dog bites reported through September.

The board will gather in Kingman to deliberate on these changes, signifying an important shift in how the county addresses pet ownership and public safety.