The bill amends Section 4-13.1-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-13.1 entitled "Regulation of Vicious Dogs" to include provisions regarding the harboring, training, selling, breeding, or buying of dogs for the purpose of dog fighting or unprovoked attacks on humans or domestic animals. It specifies that no person shall possess with intent to sell, or offer for sale, breed, or buy any dog that has been declared vicious by the vicious dog panel in accordance with the relevant section of the law. The bill also changes the language to allow seized dogs to be placed in the care of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) and outlines the conditions under which humane euthanization of a dog may occur, which includes after an evaluation by the RISPCA or if no appropriate placement for the dog exists after reasonable time and effort.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection (e) which states that a municipality transferring a seized dog to the RISPCA will be responsible for the costs incurred for the care and treatment of the dog. The costs billed to the municipality must be reasonable and related to equivalent services provided in the state. The RISPCA may also collect the full cost of care and treatment of any dog in its care or custody pursuant to this section, and any amounts recovered are to be applied first to satisfy any outstanding invoices, with the balance paid to the transferring municipality. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2538  SUB A: 4-13.1-5
2538: 4-13.1-5