The bill amends Section 4-13-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-13 entitled "Dogs," granting city or town councils the authority to create and enforce ordinances concerning dogs. It sets maximum fines for first, second, and subsequent offenses within a calendar year, with the amounts varying by town. For example, fines range from $10 to $25 for a first offense, $15 to $50 for a second offense, and $25 to $75 or more for third and subsequent offenses. The bill also allows for the imposition of impoundment fees, which must be paid by the dog owner before reclaiming their dog.

The bill includes specific provisions for several towns, such as allowing the Cumberland town council to increase fines to $50 for the first offense, $75 for the second, and $100 for the third and subsequent offenses. It also empowers various town councils to enact ordinances for issuing citations by animal control or police officers, payable by mail. The bill does not indicate any deletions from current law but adds new legal language to enhance local councils' ability to manage animal control issues and enforce penalties. The act would take effect upon passage, with a focus on increasing fines for dog ordinance violations in the town of Cumberland.

Statutes affected:
7245: 4-13-1