The bill amends Section 4-13.1-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-13.1 entitled "Regulation of Vicious Dogs" to address issues related to harboring dogs for dog fighting, training dogs to attack, and the handling of vicious dogs. It prohibits owning or harboring dogs for the purpose of dog fighting, as well as training dogs to attack humans or domestic animals unprovoked. Additionally, it bans the possession with intent to sell, offer for sale, breed, or buy any dog that has been declared vicious by the vicious dog panel. The bill also allows for the humane euthanization of a dog if it is determined by the RISPCA, after an evaluation, that the dog's medical or behavioral condition warrants euthanasia, or if no appropriate placement for the dog exists after reasonable time and effort.

The bill introduces new provisions regarding the responsibilities of municipalities and the RISPCA. It states that a municipality transferring a dog to the RISPCA is responsible for the costs incurred for the care and treatment of the dog, with the costs being reasonable and related to equivalent services provided in the state. Furthermore, the RISPCA may collect the full cost of care and treatment for any dog in its care or custody under this section, applying any amounts recovered first to outstanding invoices, with any balance paid to the transferring municipality. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7840  SUB A: 4-13.1-5