Two Rhode Island (RI) bills of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) have been amended before being passed by the State Senate.
Earlier this week, the State Senate delayed its scheduled vote on S. 325, “Animal Care”, which sought to further restrict the state’s definition of “hobby breeder”. Yesterday, before passing the bill, the State Senate amended the bill, as requested by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and members of RI kennel clubs. Amended S. 325 now would clarify that a hobby breeder may produce two (2) litters in a calendar year without being deemed a commercial pet “seller”. Amended S. 325 will now move to the House for consideration.
Thank you to the RI fanciers and enthusiasts who responded to AKC’s May 30th call to action and contacted your senators with concerns about S. 325!
Additionally, the Senate Judiciary Committee adopted AKC-recommended changes and reported an Amended S. 550 that combined S. 550 and S. 551, which was then approved by the Senate. Amended S. 550 seeks to increase the penalties for animal cruelty convictions and allow animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated consistent with the procedures followed by the RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It will now move to the House for consideration.
Click here to read AKC’s April 7th alert regarding S. 550 and S. 551.
THANK YOUR SENATOR TODAY!
Elected officials always appreciate acknowledgement when they act in accordance with constituents’ wishes. If you contacted a Senator, please email again and thank them for making the changes to S. 325!
AKC GR will continue to provide updates on pending dog-related legislation in RI. For more information on legislative issues in the state, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.