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Rhode IslandS24702026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Pamela J. Lauria (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Local fines for licensing violations

Some towns set fines for breaking dog licensing rules. In Woonsocket, fines are $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $150 after that. Westerly and Burrillville may fine up to $25 per violation. Burrillville may also set an annual fee up to $10. Foster may require annual or two‑year licenses up to $15 and may fine up to $25.

Guide dog fee waivers and dog limits

Cities and towns can waive license fees for guide dogs used by people with disabilities. Westerly can also adopt its own guide dog fee waiver. Westerly may limit how many licensed dogs a single-family home can keep, not counting breeding kennels.

Local dog license fees and options

Towns can set their own dog license fees and schedules. Cumberland offers a two-year license for $6. Glocester may charge $14 for dogs not spayed or neutered, or $7 if they are. Jamestown and Pawtucket may set up to $15 for neutered and up to $25 for unneutered dogs. Newport may set up to $10 for spayed or neutered and up to $15 for unspayed or unneutered dogs. North Smithfield and Woonsocket may set a $5 fee. South Kingstown may charge $12, or $7 if spayed or neutered, and may add an impound fee. Westerly may charge $10 for unspayed or unneutered dogs and $1 to replace a tag. West Warwick may charge $7 if spayed or neutered and $15 if not, and $2 for a replacement tag. Scituate may charge up to $20; Middletown up to $25; Barrington up to $7. Pawtucket may give seniors (65+) up to $5 if spayed or neutered and up to $10 if not.

Statewide dog license rules and fees

Every dog owner must get a license each April from their city or town clerk. Licenses start May 1. Your dog must have a rabies shot that covers the whole license period. A license is valid in every Rhode Island city or town for that year. New owners must license within 30 days of getting a dog. The standard state fee is $5 per dog unless your town sets a different allowed fee. If your dog is unlicensed or uncollared, you pay a $10 fine on top of other fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Pamela J. Lauria

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 105 • No: 0

House vote • 4/14/2026

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 018

    4/22/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    4/14/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    4/14/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (04/14/2026)

    4/10/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    3/24/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (03/24/2026)

    3/20/2026

  7. Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    3/11/2026House

  8. Senate read and passed

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (03/10/2026)

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    3/5/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/05/2026)

    2/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2470 - As Introduced

    2/6/2026

    HTMLPDF

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