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RI H7487
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
David Bennett
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AI Summary
- Increases fines for wrongful removal of a dog's collar, theft, or poisoning of a licensed dog from the current range of $10–$100 to $100–$1,000, with up to 30 days imprisonment
- Establishes enhanced penalties for second or subsequent offenses under the dog law chapter within a 10-year period: fines of $500–$1,000, up to one year imprisonment, and a mandatory 100 hours of community restitution that cannot be suspended or deferred
- Creates escalated penalties for second or subsequent violations of dog care standards (tethering, shelter, feeding): fines of $500–$2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, up from the first-offense penalties of $100–$1,000 and up to 11 months
- Adds city and town animal control officers as agents explicitly authorized to enforce the dog care provisions, alongside RISPCA agents and the Department of Environmental Management
- Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.
Animals And Animal Husbandry
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available