VSA advocates for humane laws at local and state levels. VSA also supports global efforts to improve conditions for all animals, including companion animals, work animals, animals bred for consumption, farm animals, laboratory/research animals, circus animals, wildlife and sealife.
- VSA helped pass legislation that cats adopted from municipal or private shelters must be spayed or neutered.
- VSA collaborated with other humane groups to ban the gas chamber in all municipal and private animal shelters in Rhode Island.
- VSA worked for passage of the law that prohibits convicted animal abusers from having, or living with, pets for up to ten years.
- VSA continues to suppress efforts by RI DEM to bring back the use of steel-jaw leg hold traps.
2024 Rhode Island Legislative Report
Humane legislation did not fare well in the 2024 Rhode Island General Assembly session except in the three instances listed below. The following is a synopsis of bills passed into law that are harmful to animals: crossbow hunting restricted to wild turkeys but who will insure this restriction; removed from state law and given to RIDEM was the authority to choose which wildlife is protected (river otters are at risk and the use of the steel jaw leghold trap can be used with a permit from RIDEM); inhumane battery cages will remain legal until 2030 for the sake of one egg producer Little Rhody Farms; failed again was the declawing of cats prohibition; foie gras/forced feeding of birds remains legal in Rhode Island; protection from abandonment charges for feral cat rescuers failed again, and the notorious Draize cosmetic testing of animals protection bill again failed to pass, but canned hunting in Rhode Island is now prohibited and fines were doubled for dog abusers. At long last legislation passed this year that will give companion animals court protection in separation/divorce proceedings.
2023 Rhode Island Legislative Report
There were twenty seven animal related bills introduced in the 2023 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. Among them were bills that would permit the killing of wild birds by crossbow (S192) and allowing hunters to carry a pistol into the woods along with a rifle (H5208) both were "held for further study." In Rhode Island bills "HELD FOR FURTHER STUDY" are indefinitely postponed but can be considered again or reintroduced.
We came close to seeing legislation passed that would outlaw the declawing of cats (S304). The Rhode Island Senate passed S304 but the Rhode Island House adjourned before taking it up. The State Senator from Woonsocket who sponsored S304 is determined to keep trying until we have this long sought after prohibition of declawing cats, and VSA will be right alongside of her. Other bills that passed one body of the General Assembly are as follows:
S697A Establishes the provisions of the Pet Insurance Act.
H5879A Bans the selling of cosmetics developed/manufactured using animals.
H5558 Feral Cat TNR Trapper/Rescuer not abandonment.
H5864 Prohibits captive hunting.
H5437 Prohibits the forced feeding of birds for a poultry product.
Bills have to pass both the Rhode Island Senate and House of Representative and be signed by the Governor before becoming law. VSA testifies on all animal related legislation.
We came close to seeing legislation passed that would outlaw the declawing of cats (S304). The Rhode Island Senate passed S304 but the Rhode Island House adjourned before taking it up. The State Senator from Woonsocket who sponsored S304 is determined to keep trying until we have this long sought after prohibition of declawing cats, and VSA will be right alongside of her. Other bills that passed one body of the General Assembly are as follows:
S697A Establishes the provisions of the Pet Insurance Act.
H5879A Bans the selling of cosmetics developed/manufactured using animals.
H5558 Feral Cat TNR Trapper/Rescuer not abandonment.
H5864 Prohibits captive hunting.
H5437 Prohibits the forced feeding of birds for a poultry product.
Bills have to pass both the Rhode Island Senate and House of Representative and be signed by the Governor before becoming law. VSA testifies on all animal related legislation.
2022 Rhode Island Legislative Report
The Rhode Island General Assembly passed and Governor Daniel L. McKee signed the following two humane bills into law:
H7021 Sub A Authorizes medical treatment for police dogs injured in the line of duty, including use of an ambulance. Took effect upon passage.
S2299 Restricts the use of neonicotinoids (insecticides). Takes effect in 1/1/2024.
These two new laws can be viewed in their entirety by goggling Legiscan Rhode Island 2022. The Rhode Island General Assembly adjourned on June 20, 2022. During this session twenty-seven animal related bills were introduced; a few of them were very bad for animals. All these bills except the two above were “held for further study” and most likely will be introduced again at the next legislative session which begins on the first Tuesday of January 2023.
VSA GIVES TESTIMONY ON ALL ANIMAL RELATED LEGISLATION.
H7021 Sub A Authorizes medical treatment for police dogs injured in the line of duty, including use of an ambulance. Took effect upon passage.
S2299 Restricts the use of neonicotinoids (insecticides). Takes effect in 1/1/2024.
These two new laws can be viewed in their entirety by goggling Legiscan Rhode Island 2022. The Rhode Island General Assembly adjourned on June 20, 2022. During this session twenty-seven animal related bills were introduced; a few of them were very bad for animals. All these bills except the two above were “held for further study” and most likely will be introduced again at the next legislative session which begins on the first Tuesday of January 2023.
VSA GIVES TESTIMONY ON ALL ANIMAL RELATED LEGISLATION.
2021 Rhode Island Legislative Report
*H537/S38 Prohibits the international and simultaneous release of ten (10) balloons or more balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas. Signed by the Governor on 7-8-21.
*H5131/S155 Prohibits a food service establishment from providing a consumer with a single-use straw unless the consumer requests such a straw. Signed by the Governor on 7-7-21.
*These two very important environmental bills will greatly protect sea and bird life because balloons and straws are mistaken for food and ingested causing the death of sea and bird life.
H6283 Donation of unused animal medications to non-profits, state, and local facilities by owners of animals. Passed and signed by the Governor on 7-3-21.
S508 Killing of wildlife with the use of gun silencers failed to get a hearing.
S467 Killing of birds with a crossbow failed to get a hearing.
*H5131/S155 Prohibits a food service establishment from providing a consumer with a single-use straw unless the consumer requests such a straw. Signed by the Governor on 7-7-21.
*These two very important environmental bills will greatly protect sea and bird life because balloons and straws are mistaken for food and ingested causing the death of sea and bird life.
H6283 Donation of unused animal medications to non-profits, state, and local facilities by owners of animals. Passed and signed by the Governor on 7-3-21.
S508 Killing of wildlife with the use of gun silencers failed to get a hearing.
S467 Killing of birds with a crossbow failed to get a hearing.
2020 Rhode Island Legislative Report
DUE TO COVID-19 THERE WAS NO LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY EXCEPT TO PASS THE STATE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021.
2019 Rhode Island Legislative Report
S225/H5023 Chapter 042 DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION (Expands family court jurisdiction to enter protective orders to provide for the safety and welfare of household pets in domestic abuse situations.)
S308 SUB A/H5299 Chapter 131 EQUAL RIGHTS OF BLIND AND DEAF PERSONS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES (Prohibits misrepresentation of the status of an animal as a service animal in order to acquire any right or privilege afforded disabled persons.)
S465/H5433 Chapter 242 SEIZURE OF ANIMALS BEING CRUELLY TREATED (Authorizes certain state and municipal agents to take possession of animals found abandoned or neglected, and to proceed to provide all necessary care and treatment for the animal.)
S699 SUB B/H6168 SUB A Chapter 145 ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (Pet shops shall provide records to DEM including breeder info, health certificate, license and inspection information for each dog or cat offered for sale.)
S779/H6043 Chapter 147 ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO PUBLIC SAFETY DOGS AND HORSES (Provides special protection to public safety canines and horses that are intentionally or maliciously subjected to cruelty, injuries, or death, by increasing the potential criminal and civil penalties for the offenders.)
S1022/H5436 SUB A as amended Chapter 252 ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE (Defines pet trainers and requires pets trainers to be licensed. This act further provides an exception to the licensing requirements for dog training programs operated by government agencies.)
HONORABLE MENTION: Important environmental legislation was introduced by State Representative Susan Donovan and her co-sponsors, Representatives Patricia Serpa, Charlene Lima, Terri-Denise Cortvriend, and House Majority Leader Joseph Shekarchi. H5865, if passed, would have prohibited the intentional release of balloons filled than lighter-than-air gas. Balloons, plastic straws, and Styrofoam kill our state's sea and air life; birds and other animals mistake these materials for food, resulting in prolonged and painful deaths. H5865 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee with a recommendation that it be held for further study. Essentially, that means the bill must be introduced again in the 2020 State legislative session. VSA is very grateful to the sponsors and hopes that this bill will continue to be introduced until it gains passage by the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
S308 SUB A/H5299 Chapter 131 EQUAL RIGHTS OF BLIND AND DEAF PERSONS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES (Prohibits misrepresentation of the status of an animal as a service animal in order to acquire any right or privilege afforded disabled persons.)
S465/H5433 Chapter 242 SEIZURE OF ANIMALS BEING CRUELLY TREATED (Authorizes certain state and municipal agents to take possession of animals found abandoned or neglected, and to proceed to provide all necessary care and treatment for the animal.)
S699 SUB B/H6168 SUB A Chapter 145 ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (Pet shops shall provide records to DEM including breeder info, health certificate, license and inspection information for each dog or cat offered for sale.)
S779/H6043 Chapter 147 ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO PUBLIC SAFETY DOGS AND HORSES (Provides special protection to public safety canines and horses that are intentionally or maliciously subjected to cruelty, injuries, or death, by increasing the potential criminal and civil penalties for the offenders.)
S1022/H5436 SUB A as amended Chapter 252 ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE (Defines pet trainers and requires pets trainers to be licensed. This act further provides an exception to the licensing requirements for dog training programs operated by government agencies.)
HONORABLE MENTION: Important environmental legislation was introduced by State Representative Susan Donovan and her co-sponsors, Representatives Patricia Serpa, Charlene Lima, Terri-Denise Cortvriend, and House Majority Leader Joseph Shekarchi. H5865, if passed, would have prohibited the intentional release of balloons filled than lighter-than-air gas. Balloons, plastic straws, and Styrofoam kill our state's sea and air life; birds and other animals mistake these materials for food, resulting in prolonged and painful deaths. H5865 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee with a recommendation that it be held for further study. Essentially, that means the bill must be introduced again in the 2020 State legislative session. VSA is very grateful to the sponsors and hopes that this bill will continue to be introduced until it gains passage by the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
2018 Rhode Island Legislative Report
H7414 Requires educational institutions using dogs or cats for medical research to make animals no longer useful for research available for adoption.
H7456 Sub A Makes changes in the definitions of what constitutes unlawful confinement of any sow during gestation, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen kept on a farm, and would apply them throughout the chapter.
H7045 Sub A Prohibits mistreatment of animals by failing to provide adequate water, shelter or veterinary care.
S2055 Repeals exception which allows hunting dogs be kept outdoors in cold weather.
S2133 Protects homeless persons in possession of a service animal, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), from being denied access to any homeless shelter in violation of the ADA or state or federal Fair Housing Practices Act.
S2135 Increases the penalties for repeat convictions of animal cruelty.
S2777 Sub A Prohibits the sale of dogs until fully weaned unless approval for sale in writing is obtained from a licensed veterinarian. Violations are punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 12 months or $1,000, or both. Pounds and shelters are exempt.
H7986 Requires persons entrusted with an animal’s care to report cruelty there to.
H8170 Takes away the discretion of the sentencing judge in cases involving persons convicted of, or who entered a plea of nolo contendere to any misdemeanor or felony under the provisions of state law relating to cruelty to animals.
H7456 Sub A Makes changes in the definitions of what constitutes unlawful confinement of any sow during gestation, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen kept on a farm, and would apply them throughout the chapter.
H7045 Sub A Prohibits mistreatment of animals by failing to provide adequate water, shelter or veterinary care.
S2055 Repeals exception which allows hunting dogs be kept outdoors in cold weather.
S2133 Protects homeless persons in possession of a service animal, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), from being denied access to any homeless shelter in violation of the ADA or state or federal Fair Housing Practices Act.
S2135 Increases the penalties for repeat convictions of animal cruelty.
S2777 Sub A Prohibits the sale of dogs until fully weaned unless approval for sale in writing is obtained from a licensed veterinarian. Violations are punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 12 months or $1,000, or both. Pounds and shelters are exempt.
H7986 Requires persons entrusted with an animal’s care to report cruelty there to.
H8170 Takes away the discretion of the sentencing judge in cases involving persons convicted of, or who entered a plea of nolo contendere to any misdemeanor or felony under the provisions of state law relating to cruelty to animals.
2017 Rhode Island Legislative Report
H5326/S928: SUPPORTED by VSA, requires the sheltering and nourishment of dogs to conform to the industry standards established by the Tufts Animal Care and Conditions Scale requiring outside sheltering, proper nourishment, sanitary conditions, and physical condition.
H5470/S559: NOT SUPPORTED by VSA, removes certain restrictions on who can perform routine husbandry procedures on livestock and allows a licensed human medical practitioner to assist a licensed veterinarian.
H5425 Sub A/S356: NOT SUPPORTED by VSA, authorizes a special license plate for spay/neuter donations for the Ocean State Animal Coalition (OSAC) an organization that is not equally open to all non–profit Rhode Island humane organizations involved in spay/neuter.
H6314 Sub A/S563 Sub A: NOT SUPPORTED BY VSA, allows a pound or animal shelter to put an animal up for adoption after ten days if it has a tag or five days if it has no tag. (VSA and Defenders of Animals requested that the part of this legislation that would have allowed Animal Control to destroy cats and dogs within a five day period be removed.)
H5882: SUPPORTED BY VSA, adds animal hoarding to the list of cruelty, and requires a mental health evaluation for a person convicted of animal cruelty involving hoarding.
S390 Sub A: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, defines animal hoarding and would add animal hoarding to the list of conduct considered cruelty to animals and proscribed by law.
H5477 Sub A/ S341 Sub A: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, requires that Municipal Animal Control Officers be certified by the National Care and Control Association.
S561/H5540: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, appoints an Animal Control Officer to the Rabies Control Board.
S349/H6357: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, imposes on breeders requirements already in place on other pet custodial agencies.
Animal welfare bills that were left undone when the General Assembly adjourned in September 2017 will be taken up at the next session which begins in January 2018.
H5470/S559: NOT SUPPORTED by VSA, removes certain restrictions on who can perform routine husbandry procedures on livestock and allows a licensed human medical practitioner to assist a licensed veterinarian.
H5425 Sub A/S356: NOT SUPPORTED by VSA, authorizes a special license plate for spay/neuter donations for the Ocean State Animal Coalition (OSAC) an organization that is not equally open to all non–profit Rhode Island humane organizations involved in spay/neuter.
H6314 Sub A/S563 Sub A: NOT SUPPORTED BY VSA, allows a pound or animal shelter to put an animal up for adoption after ten days if it has a tag or five days if it has no tag. (VSA and Defenders of Animals requested that the part of this legislation that would have allowed Animal Control to destroy cats and dogs within a five day period be removed.)
H5882: SUPPORTED BY VSA, adds animal hoarding to the list of cruelty, and requires a mental health evaluation for a person convicted of animal cruelty involving hoarding.
S390 Sub A: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, defines animal hoarding and would add animal hoarding to the list of conduct considered cruelty to animals and proscribed by law.
H5477 Sub A/ S341 Sub A: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, requires that Municipal Animal Control Officers be certified by the National Care and Control Association.
S561/H5540: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, appoints an Animal Control Officer to the Rabies Control Board.
S349/H6357: NO POSITION TAKEN BY VSA, imposes on breeders requirements already in place on other pet custodial agencies.
Animal welfare bills that were left undone when the General Assembly adjourned in September 2017 will be taken up at the next session which begins in January 2018.
2016 Rhode Island Legislative Report
Humane organizations, including VSA, stopped attempts to allow crossbow hunting of migratory birds, stopped attempts to allow non-veterinarians from performing certain husbandry procedures on livestock, stopped the bill that would limit the number of cats per household and stopped hoarding from being added to the list of cruelty to animal offenses because it did not include a medical component to help the hoarder.
A law was passed banning in Rhode Island the use of bullhooks on elephants.
A law was passed banning in Rhode Island the killing of sharks solely for the sale of their fins.
A law was passed that imposed a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding $1,000 where an offense of cruelty results in an animal's death.
The Rhode Island Animal Care Laws were amended to increase the penalty for the malicious injury or killing of an animal from up to two years to up to five years.
The bill that would do away with battery cages used to hold egg-laying hens did not pass again this year. The owner of a large egg producing business operation in Rhode Island attended the hearing to oppose the bill saying that it would be financially disadvantageous for him to replace his present battery cages. The bill read that egg farmers could continue to use their existing battery cages until they needed replacement. VSA will continue to fight this extremely inhumane treatment of the chickens that produce our food. The battery cages are stuffed with chickens who cannot open their wings or turn around. When they can no longer produce eggs, they are slaughtered for consumption. VSA will continue to fight to change this extremely inhumane treatment of these birds. HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP THE HENS: ONLY BUY EGGS IN PACKAGING THAT READS "CERTIFIED HUMANE/RAISED & HANDLED."
Rhode Islanders are facing an obstacle in their efforts to rescue homeless animals. RIDEM succeeded in having the Animal Care Laws amended this year to include a provision which, under penalty of fines, requires anyone involved in the rescue or placement of an animal to register annually with the State Veterinarian. VSA worked very hard to try to stop this bill from being signed into law. We asked Governor Gina Raimondo to veto the bill because it would have a negative impact that would increase homelessness. We asked her for proof of its need and an in-depth explanation of how it would be fairly enforced. We received no response from the state government. VSA will do everything possible to reverse this stumbling block to the humane work of rescue.
A law was passed banning in Rhode Island the use of bullhooks on elephants.
A law was passed banning in Rhode Island the killing of sharks solely for the sale of their fins.
A law was passed that imposed a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding $1,000 where an offense of cruelty results in an animal's death.
The Rhode Island Animal Care Laws were amended to increase the penalty for the malicious injury or killing of an animal from up to two years to up to five years.
The bill that would do away with battery cages used to hold egg-laying hens did not pass again this year. The owner of a large egg producing business operation in Rhode Island attended the hearing to oppose the bill saying that it would be financially disadvantageous for him to replace his present battery cages. The bill read that egg farmers could continue to use their existing battery cages until they needed replacement. VSA will continue to fight this extremely inhumane treatment of the chickens that produce our food. The battery cages are stuffed with chickens who cannot open their wings or turn around. When they can no longer produce eggs, they are slaughtered for consumption. VSA will continue to fight to change this extremely inhumane treatment of these birds. HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP THE HENS: ONLY BUY EGGS IN PACKAGING THAT READS "CERTIFIED HUMANE/RAISED & HANDLED."
Rhode Islanders are facing an obstacle in their efforts to rescue homeless animals. RIDEM succeeded in having the Animal Care Laws amended this year to include a provision which, under penalty of fines, requires anyone involved in the rescue or placement of an animal to register annually with the State Veterinarian. VSA worked very hard to try to stop this bill from being signed into law. We asked Governor Gina Raimondo to veto the bill because it would have a negative impact that would increase homelessness. We asked her for proof of its need and an in-depth explanation of how it would be fairly enforced. We received no response from the state government. VSA will do everything possible to reverse this stumbling block to the humane work of rescue.
2014 Rhode Island Legislative Report
In the 2014 Rhode Island legislative session, VSA helped pass the hot car bill making it a misdemeanor to confine an animal in a hot motor vehicle. The punishment is imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
VSA also worked to stave off the bill to trap and kill Rhode Island's river otters. If the otter bill became law, it would most surely bring back the use of the steel jaw leg-hold trap.
You can learn more about River Otters and why they are so important below.
VSA also worked to stave off the bill to trap and kill Rhode Island's river otters. If the otter bill became law, it would most surely bring back the use of the steel jaw leg-hold trap.
You can learn more about River Otters and why they are so important below.
2013 Rhode Island Legislative Report
:During the 2013 Rhode Island legislative session, the following animal welfare bills were passed by the Rhode Island House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Lincoln D. Chafee:
H5671 bans breed specific legislation in cities and towns
H5426/S177 penalizes devocalization of dogs and cats, and declawing as a condition to rent
H5492/S316 fines licensed releasing agencies $300 (payable to RIDEM) for selling or facilitating the adoption of unspayed/unneutered cats
H5494/S407 expands the meaning of cruelty to animals
S814 adopts for Rhode Island the wildlife compact recognizing violations of hunting, trapping and fishing laws of other states. VSA advocated for these animal welfare bills which can be viewed at www.rilin.state.ri.us.
H5671 bans breed specific legislation in cities and towns
H5426/S177 penalizes devocalization of dogs and cats, and declawing as a condition to rent
H5492/S316 fines licensed releasing agencies $300 (payable to RIDEM) for selling or facilitating the adoption of unspayed/unneutered cats
H5494/S407 expands the meaning of cruelty to animals
S814 adopts for Rhode Island the wildlife compact recognizing violations of hunting, trapping and fishing laws of other states. VSA advocated for these animal welfare bills which can be viewed at www.rilin.state.ri.us.