Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7840

Introduced
3/1/24  
Refer
3/1/24  
Report Pass
6/10/24  
Engrossed
6/12/24  
Engrossed
6/13/24  

Caption

Permits euthanization of vicious dogs upon finding that dogs condition warrants euthanasia or after determination that there is no reasonable placement for the dog/provides any municipality that surrenders dog to RISPCA shall be responsible for costs.

Impact

The bill alters the responsibilities of municipalities regarding the care of vicious dogs transferred to the RISPCA's care. It mandates that any municipality surrendering a dog to the RISPCA will be liable for the costs incurred for its treatment and care. This shift not only places financial responsibilities on local government entities but also emphasizes the need for municipalities to consider their animal control policies and resources. The implications of this bill could lead to discussions surrounding funding for local animal control and sheltering efforts, potentially affecting budgets and resource allocation.

Summary

House Bill 7840 aims to amend the existing laws regarding the regulation of vicious dogs in Rhode Island. The bill permits the euthanization of dogs that are deemed vicious based on their medical or behavioral condition when no reasonable placement options are available. The bill stipulates that the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) shall make this evaluation, and if euthanasia is deemed necessary, it must follow a thorough assessment. This change aims to streamline the process of dealing with vicious dogs, ensuring that they are handled in a manner consistent with animal welfare standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 7840 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among animal welfare groups that recognize the necessity of having clear guidelines for handling vicious dogs. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial burdens placed on municipalities and how this may affect local animal control efforts. The discussions suggest a recognition of the delicate balance needed between ensuring public safety and animal welfare, and the need for effective implementation of the bill's provisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the criteria for determining what constitutes a vicious dog and the implications of euthanasia on public perception and animal rights. There might be apprehensions about potential overreach in classifying dogs as 'vicious' and the resultant actions taken based on such classifications. Furthermore, opposition may arise concerning the financial implications for municipalities, especially those with limited resources that could complicate their animal control efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5356

Regulation Of Vicious Dogs

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S1074

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6451

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI S0981

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6376

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H5072

House Resolution Recognizing And Thanking Sandy M. Barone For All She Has Done For The People Of East Providence, Barrington And The State Of Rhode Island

RI S0200

Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging

RI H5091

Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.