SB1251 is a bill that aims to prevent cities, towns, and counties in Arizona from enacting any ordinances, resolutions, or policies that prohibit or unduly restrict the use of working animals in lawful commerce or for animal enterprises, such as rodeos or agricultural operations. The bill specifies that this prohibition does not apply to municipal or county zoning ordinances related to public health, safety, and welfare, nor does it affect other state laws related to animal care, cruelty, noise, public health, or safety. The bill defines "working animal" as an animal used primarily to perform a specific duty or function in commerce for an animal enterprise, explicitly excluding animals primarily used to produce food, such as rabbits, llamas, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry.

The bill was vetoed by the Governor, who stated that it is a solution in search of a problem, as no Arizona city, town, or county currently restricts the use of working animals for agricultural or ranching operations. The bill's language would amend titles 9 and 11 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding new sections that outline the restrictions on local governments regarding working animals and the exceptions to these restrictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.49, 11-269.27
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-500.49, 11-269.27, 44-1799.10, 3-111