This bill amends existing laws regarding animal cruelty and care, specifically in Chapter 4-1 and Chapter 4-13 of the General Laws. It introduces new provisions that empower animal control officers in cities and towns, as well as agents of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to take charge of abandoned or neglected animals. The bill mandates that owners who are convicted of animal cruelty forfeit their rights to those animals.

Additionally, the bill increases penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals from $1,000 to $5,000. It also establishes that individuals convicted of a second or subsequent violation of animal cruelty laws within a ten-year period will face increased fines of not less than $500 and not exceeding $1,000, as well as potential imprisonment for up to one year and mandatory community restitution of 100 hours.

The bill outlines specific regulations regarding the care and treatment of dogs, including penalties for violations, which may include imprisonment for up to one year and fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 for first offenses, and increased fines of $1,000 to $5,000 and up to two years of imprisonment for second or subsequent violations. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance the protection of animals and ensure their welfare through stricter enforcement and penalties for cruelty and neglect.