AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to work in opposition to Senate Bill 534 and Senate Bill 601, which seek to create court- appointed legal advocates for animals.
The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee considered both bills at its May 6, 2021, hearing. AKC thanks the many concerned residents who responded to our May 3, 2021, action alert by contacting the committee; and extends our appreciation to Providence County Kennel Club’s President and the Rhode Island Kennel Club’s Legislative Liaison who virtually testified before the committee.
As a result of this advocacy effort, AKC GR was successful in securing a meeting directly with the Senate President, who is the sponsor of S. 534, one of three “Lawyers for Animals” bills currently pending in Rhode Island. On May 18, 2021, AKC GR staff, the president of the Providence County Kennel Club, and the Executive Director of the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union met virtually with Senate President Ruggerio and his staff, to thank him for his work on animal protection bills over the years and to outline multiple concerns with these bills.
We are grateful to the Senate President for his understanding and his commitment to work with us on addressing the concerns raised. As a result, AKC GR does not anticipate further action on this legislation until possibly this fall or next session.
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.