AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is pleased to share that the Rhode Island Legislature adjourned on Thursday, July 1, 2021, with no bills of concern to dog owners adopted.
Since January, AKC GR issued several detailed alerts, embedded in the bill numbers below, requesting opposition by residents to bills negatively impacting dogs and owners as follows:
- Lawyers for Animals, SB 534, SB 601, and HB 5577;
- Seizure of Animals in Motor Vehicles, SB 319;
- Dogs Outside and Unattended, HB 5736;
- Contested Pet Ownership, HB 5618; and
- Pet Custody in Divorce or Separation, HB 5580.
As a result of our advocacy effort, Representative Charlene Lima who filed HB 5580 successfully amended the bill to strike “custody” from the text before its passage in the House on July 1. The Senate failed to consider the bill before the session expired.
This fall, the Legislature plans to convene a special session and only take up “big” policy issues, such as COVID recovery money, police reform, cannabis, and re-districting.
AKC GR thanks the many concerned residents who responded to our action alerts, and extends our appreciation to the leadership of the Providence County Kennel Club, the Rhode Island Kennel Club, and South County Kennel Club who worked to ensure timely communication with their members.
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.