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RI S2397

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/30/2026

Primary Sponsor

Lori Urso

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Increases fines for wrongfully removing a dog's collar, stealing, or poisoning a licensed dog from $10-$100 to $100-$1,000 for first offenses

  • Establishes enhanced penalties for second or subsequent offenses within 10 years: fines of $500-$1,000, up to one year imprisonment, and mandatory 100 hours of community restitution that cannot be suspended

  • Creates escalating penalties for dog care violations: second offenses carry fines of $500-$2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, compared to $100-$1,000 and 11 months for first offenses

  • Authorizes city and town animal control officers to enforce dog protection laws in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Management and RISPCA agents

  • 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

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

1/30/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/30/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available