Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2151

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Allows 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 and includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws under Chapter 4-1 concerning cruelty to animals, thus potentially revising the responsibilities and powers of animal control officers. Should the bill pass, it would facilitate a more proactive approach in managing cases of animal neglect, providing the necessary authority to take legal action against irresponsible owners. The law specifies that owners or guardians may forfeit their rights to animals if found guilty of mistreatment or neglect, thus contributing to increased accountability in pet ownership. This act is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of animal rescue efforts and improve overall animal care standards.

Summary

S2151 is an act relating to animals and animal husbandry, specifically focusing on cruelty to animals. The bill aims to empower animal control officers in cities and towns to take charge of and provide adequate care for animals that are abandoned, neglected, or in hazardous conditions. This includes providing a legal framework for the officers and agents of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) to act on behalf of animals in distress. The bill emphasizes protecting animal welfare and ensuring that mechanisms are in place for handling neglect or cruelty cases effectively.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding S2151 could be the balance between the rights of animal owners and the state's responsibility to protect animal welfare. While the bill aims to improve conditions for neglected animals, advocates for pet owners may argue that the provisions could lead to overly aggressive actions by animal control officers, resulting in unjust loss of animals for owners. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the scope of 'adequate care' as defined by the bill, and whether provisions for evaluating animal conditions are sufficient or excessively punitive.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0550

Allows 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 and would increase penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals.

RI H6407

Allows 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 and would increase penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals.

RI S0551

Allows seizure and rehoming of animals prior to criminal charges being heard.

RI H5128

Makes any offense under this statute that could result in the death of an animal punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each offense.

RI H5214

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

RI S0398

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

RI S1086

Provides technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities.

RI H5794

Provides technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities.

RI H5666

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."

RI H5797

Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.

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