On Thursday, April 10, 2025, starting at 5PM, the Senate Committee on Judiciary is scheduled to accept testimony on multiple dog related bills. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is strongly opposed to two and encourages residents to review two others for possible outcomes.
S.551 – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS – OPPOSE
Seeking to further the interest of shelters and rescues while infringing upon individuals’ due process and ownership rights, S. 551 would authorize the forfeiture of an animal, including dogs, upon an arrest, civil citation, or personally observed neglect or abandonment of an animal by an animal control officer (ACO), who would be authorized to take immediate possession of the animal. The ACO would then be required to provide the owner with a seizure notice within 48 hours. Afterwards, municipal and district courts with jurisdiction would be required to quickly schedule a hearing for the permanent “rehoming” of the animal based on a preponderance of evidence; and before a full investigation and disposition of any complaint or criminal charges being filed. Without limits, the owner of the animal would be required to pay all care and treatment expenses incurred by a shelter.
AKC takes a strong stance against animal cruelty. In 2022, AKC and Rhode Island clubs worked closely with Senate President Ruggerio to enact S. 2443-Sub A, providing additional enforcement provisions to Section 4-1-22, Care of neglected animals by society – Forfeiture of owner’s rights – expenses. We oppose S. 551 because it would allow forfeiture of an animal prior to any finding of guilt and because it would allow shelters and rescues to charge unlimited care expenses that the owner would be financially responsible for.
For example, an animal owner may have an elderly or sick animal that appears to be neglected or cruelly treated but, is actually under the treatment of a veterinarian and receiving proper care. Under S. 551, the justice system would not be allowed to take the time necessary to establish whether a violation is occurring or not, thereby ensuring that animal owners are not erroneously deprived of their property. Instead, S. 551 would allow for the easy seizure of the animal and pave the way for its owner’s rights to be unconstitutionally terminated.
S.550 – DOGS – OPPOSE AS FILED
S. 550 is another pro-shelter, anti-owner bill. AKC agrees with the provisions of S. 550 that update the penalties for violations relating to animals and animal husbandry. However, we are also deeply concerned with provisions of S. 550 that would (1) establish an animal care taskforce comprised of animal control officers and animal shelters to meet quarterly for reviewing the laws and making recommendations on legislation; and (2) add a provision criminalizing a “dog breeder” who intentionally overfeeds a dog for aesthetic reasons or to influence the physical appearance of dog to the detriment of the dog’s health and mobility.
AKC supports improving the enforcement of the state’s animal cruelty laws. However, we believe S. 550 is negatively biased against dog breeders (including purebred fanciers and enthusiasts) and other types of animal owners. S. 550’s proposed taskforce fails to include animal husbandry and welfare experts, such as AKC’s 12 affiliated dog clubs in Rhode Island, veterinarians, and the Rhode Island Farm Bureau.
That bias against dog breeders continues with S. 550’s provisions that target dog breeders by describing conduct that has no rational relationship to the breeding of dogs. Anyone who overfeeds their dog can contribute to serious health problems, including obesity, joint issues, heart disease, diabetes, and a shortened lifespan. We believe S. 550 would simply result in unacceptable harassment of dog breeders.
S.928 – REGULATION OF VICIOUS DOGS & DOG LICENSE FEES– REVIEW
S. 928 would update the state’s “vicious” dog laws to authorize the identification and regulation of “dangerous dogs” that pose a threat to public health, safety and welfare. It would define “dangerous dog,” expand requirements for owners of dangerous dogs, including microchipping, and set out procedural due process for notice and hearings. In addition, on page 11, starting in line 12, the bill would increase the annual dog license fee from ten (10) to twenty (20) dollars and increase town enforcement fees from two (2) to ten (10) dollars for each license.
AKC supports an update to Rhode Island’s vicious dog laws and presented to the Senate Commission on Vicious Dogs in 2019 regarding the inclusion of dangerous dog provisions. Rhode Island residents are encouraged to review the proposal and offer comments where appropriate.
S.559 – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS – REVIEW
S. 559 would increase the imprisonment penalty for an animal cruelty conviction under § 4-1-2 from eleven (11) months to twelve (12) months, while the imprisonment penalty for an animal fighting conviction would be increased from two (2) to five (5) years for subsequent convictions with mandatory community service.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
First, immediately contact the Senate Committee on Judiciary at SenateJudiciary@rilegislature.gov with your name and town. Please send a separate email expressing your strong opposition to S. 551, “Cruelty to Animals” and then S. 550, “Dogs”. Consider sending a third email if you have concern or comments about S. 928, “Vicious Dogs” or S. 559, “Cruelty to Animals”.
Second, concerned Rhode Island residents can join AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) to speak at the hearing, which is expected to start at 5PM in Senate Room 313 on Thursday, April 10. Sign-up sheets will be available in or just outside the hearing room.
AKC GR will continue to provide updates on pending dog-related legislation in Rhode Island. For more information on legislative issues in the state, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.