Rhode IslandH75622026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Matthew S. Dawson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Seized animals: owner costs and court rules

If your animal is taken into custody, you must pay all reasonable care and treatment costs, priced like similar local vet and shelter services. After a written demand, if you do not pay or make a plan within 30 days, the shelter or the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can sue you, and the demand must warn that not paying may lead to forfeiture. If you are convicted, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to abandonment, neglect, hazardous accumulation, or cruelty, you forfeit ownership to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. You can ask the district court to return the animal by filing within 60 days of notice; the court will summon the shelter or Society at least 14 days before the hearing, and the judge will review the animal’s condition and your ability to provide care and may allow temporary custody with rules. If the court returns the animal, you do not owe pre-hearing care costs unless you are later convicted; if you miss the 60-day filing or the 60-day payment window, the shelter or Society can ask the court to transfer ownership.

Local officers can seize abused animals

City and town animal control officers and shelters can take custody of animals found abandoned, neglected, or hazardously accumulated. They can also take animals they reasonably believe are aged, sick, injured, unfit for labor, or cruelly treated. If the owner or guardian is known, the officer must give that person notice. The shelter or officers provide adequate care while the animal is in custody.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Matthew S. Dawson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

William W. O'Brien
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2026

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS PASSAGE