06/05/2026
It’s about time!
The General Assembly today passed legislation from Senator Lori Urso - District 8 and Representative Matt Dawson to protect animals from cruelty and neglect by empowering animal control officers to take immediate control of animals they find abandoned, neglected, injured or otherwise cruelly mistreated.
“This legislation addresses an oversight in our laws designed to protect animals,” said Senator Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket). “Animal control officers’ duties often bring them into contact with animals who need rescue and care, but they lack the legal authority to act themselves. By allowing them to take charge of abused animals, without having to refer the case to law enforcement agents of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, these bills will prevent prolonged suffering and ensure that mistreated animals get the care they need swiftly.”
Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376609
