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Rhode IslandH60892025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS .

Sponsored By: William W. O'Brien (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Tougher penalties for animal cruelty offenders

Effective upon passage, Rhode Island raises the maximum prison term for animal mistreatment or neglect from 11 to 12 months. The penalty is up to 12 months, a $50–$500 fine, or both; animal deaths trigger separate penalties. A second or later violation of the state's animal-cruelty chapter within 10 years carries up to six years, a $500–$5,000 fine, or both. Anyone convicted of a second or later offense under that chapter must also complete 100 hours of community restitution. Those hours cannot be suspended or deferred. After conviction, an owner or possessor can lose ownership rights to a confiscated animal. Rights can transfer to the local animal-control officer or the humane society operating the shelter that housed the animal. The law defines shelter as a structure that protects an animal's health and well-being from bad weather.

Tougher penalties for animal fighting offenders

Effective upon passage, Rhode Island increases penalties for repeat animal fighting and adds mandatory community service for all convictions. The ban covers organizing or encouraging fights, maintaining fighting venues, knowingly allowing fights on controlled property, and betting on outcomes. A first offense carries up to two years in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Repeat offenses carry two to five years, a $1,000–$5,000 fine, or both; the maximum prison term rises from two years. Community service is also required: 20 hours for a first offense and 50 hours for later offenses. Courts cannot suspend or defer those hours.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William W. O'Brien

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Karen Alzate

    Democratic • House

  • Jacquelyn M. Baginski

    Democratic • House

  • Nathan W. Biah

    Democratic • House

  • Julie A. Casimiro

    Democratic • House

  • Matthew S. Dawson

    Democratic • House

  • Katherine S. Kazarian

    Democratic • House

  • Scott A. Slater

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer A. Stewart

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 109 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/20/2025

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 6/18/2025

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS PASSAGE

Yes: 73 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 274

    6/27/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/23/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/20/2025Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/18/2025Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/18/2025House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/18/2025)

    6/16/2025House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/16/2025

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/14/2025

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/16/2025)

    6/14/2025

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/25/2025

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2025)

    3/21/2025

  12. Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

    3/14/2025House

Bill Text

  • H6089 - As Introduced

    3/14/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H6089 - Substitute

    3/14/2025

    HTMLPDF

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