RI S2298

Increases the maximum imprisonment for first-offense animal cruelty from 11 months to 12 months

First-offense fines remain unchanged at $50 to $500, with imprisonment and/or fine as penalty options

Second or subsequent offenses within a 10-year period carry up to 6 years imprisonment and/or $500 to $5,000 in fines, plus mandatory 100 hours of community restitution

Courts may order forfeiture of animal ownership rights to local animal control or a humane society upon conviction

Takes effect upon passage