The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 4-13 entitled "Dogs," providing city and town councils with the authority to create and enforce dog-related ordinances, including the imposition of fines for offenses. The fines for a first offense can be up to $10, with higher amounts for subsequent offenses within a year, varying by town. For instance, Barrington can fine up to $75 for a third offense, while Bristol and Middletown have higher limits of $100 and $200, respectively. The bill also allows for the issuance of citations by animal control officers that can be paid by mail and enables councils to regulate the number of licensed dogs in single-family residences, excluding breeding kennels. Specific provisions are included for several towns, each with the ability to set their own fine amounts and regulations.

Additionally, the bill grants various town councils, including Richmond, Scituate, Smithfield, and others, the power to establish fines for repeated animal control offenses within a year, with maximum fines ranging from $15 to $300. These councils can also authorize animal control officers to issue citations for ordinance violations, with mail-in payment options. The bill specifies that Pawtucket can impose fines for pit bull ownership violations, with fines up to $1,000 and potential imprisonment for unlicensed pit bulls. It also addresses impoundment fees for dogs, requiring owners to pay expenses before reclaiming their pets. The bill includes new legal language without indicating any deletions from current law, enhancing local councils' abilities to manage animal control issues. The bill also specifically mentions the town of Hopkinton, allowing for increased fines for dog ordinance violations and impoundment fees, effective upon passage.