Right now there are multiple bills being introduced to update the outdated animal welfare laws in our state for the betterment of our companion animals. It is a few steps in the right direction to create some change.

This is the first:

Senate Bill No. 2151 (Sen. Urso)/ House Bill No. 7562 (Rep. Bennett)

ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.). 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

The primary focus:

S2151/H7562 recognizes the authority of ACOs to step in where there is visible evidence of neglect, which currently in the law is only afforded to the RISPCA, and also directs reimbursement funds to the cities and town in whose care the dogs remain.

The second bill:

Senate Bill No. 2397 (Sen. Urso)/ House Bill No. 7487 (Rep. Dawson)

ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS (Increases penalties for a first offense and provides a fine for a second or subsequent offense of not less than $500 or no more than two thousand $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.). 01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

The quick take away:

S2397/H7487 raises the paltry fines for violations of the Care of Dogs statute (currently only $10) and sets fines for second and subsequent violations.

Here are the instructions for anyone looking to send in written testimony:

Please note, you can send the same written testimony to both the house and the senate to support these bills as they go through the process, you just need to change the address and make sure you are sending them to the right place. Also note, it is preferred to send the letters as pdf attachments.

For the Senate versions, send to:

Chairman Matthew LaMountain

Senate Committee on Judiciary

via Slegislation@rilegislature.gov

(Reference bill numbers S2151 or S2397 on your letter)

And for the House versions, send to:

Chairwoman Carol Hagan McEntee

House Committee on Judiciary

via HouseJudiciary@rilegislature.gov

(Reference bill numbers H7562 or H7487)

Anyone looking to track the bills can do so here:

https://status.rilegislature.gov/

Just remove the S prefacing the number for senate as well as the H prefacing the bill number for the house for the bill tracker.

Again, huge thank you to Senator Lori Urso - District 8 for her ongoing work on this as well as our other elected representatives, we all appreciate the work you're doing for the betterment of our animal companions