Congratulations to the Gilbert Town Council for their work on behalf of suffering animals.  Sadly, animals are still considered property under Arizona law.  Therefore, police officers are not supposed to help an abandoned or suffering animal without permission from the owner.  It has been reported that concerned residents reported animals abandoned in foreclosed homes, yet the police were unable to "officially" do anything about it.  Thankfully, the Town Council amended their animal control ordinance.  Now town employees in Gilbert may legally enter foreclosed properties, seize animals and provide necessary care.  

As a veterinarian, I wish to congratulate and thank the City of Gilbert for amending their law to protect abandoned animals.  We can only hope, more jurisdictions will adopt similarly enlightened ordinances.