RISPCA Sees Improvement with Animal Protection Laws in RI
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
For countless years, humans and animals have bonded in remarkable ways – for companionship, for protection and for working side by side with their human counterparts in various endeavors. Animals are welcomed into our homes; pets have become a part of our families. Unfortunately in today’s society, despite man’s humanity; impertinence, insensitivity and cruelty are still a part of his being.
For years, individuals and animal rights organizations have worked to offer protection for animals, advocating for laws against cruelty and neglect and to punish those who would prey on defenseless animals.
In Rhode Island, the voices of those speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves calling for justice for animals has been heard. Our elected officials have taken action and are sending a clear message, through the law, that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and that those who mistreat animals will be dealt with and justice will be served.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Animal Legal Defense Fund last year, in its ninth annual report, ranked Rhode Island the 9th best state in the nation regarding the breadth and strength of its animal protection laws. The 2014 U.S. Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report placed Rhode Island second best of the New England states, behind Maine, which ranked 2nd, and ahead of Massachusetts, the next-best New England state at 13th.
On behalf of the Rhode Island Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and in the name of all humane groups, volunteers, donors and individuals who believe in the humane treatment of all creatures great and small I want to compliment the Rhode Island General Assembly for its long-standing and continuing commitment to enacting laws to protect the welfare of animals. In the face of so many other pressing issues in our state, our legislators have nonetheless recognized that what allegedly sets us above animals includes how we treat them.
Although Rhode Island already had many good animal protection laws in place, a number of very important laws were enacted during the last two years that further our efforts to fight cruelty and punish those who would abuse and mistreat animals.
-- It is now a misdemeanor for any person to confine any animal in a motor vehicle which places the animal in a life-threatening or extreme health threatening situation by exposing the animal to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold. Under the law, any animal control officer, law enforcement officer or firefighter who has probable cause to believe the law is being violated has the authority to enter the vehicle to rescue the animal. The misdemeanor charge carries a punishment of imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The owner of the animal is also responsible for all charges resulting from the care, medical treatment and impoundment of the animal at the agency where it is taken by the rescuing official.
-- Rhode Island law now requires that individuals convicted of or pleading to a charge of animal cruelty will be financially responsible for all medical costs and the cost of care for those animals while in the safe haven of the RISPCA.
-- Rhode Island now regulates the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats adopted from a licensed releasing agency.
-- It is now prohibited to require the declawing or devocalization of dogs and cats as a condition of real estate occupancy.
-- Judges now have at their discretion the ability to prevent a person who has been convicted or pleads nolo contendere with animal cruelty from owning or residing in a household with a pet.
-- An Animal Advocate appointed by the DEM or RISPCA shall make recommendations to any court before which the custody or well-being of an animal is at issue.
-- There are now laws specifying minimal living conditions for animals including proper shelter, sanitation and confinement constraints.
Pets seek little in return for the unconditional love they give to us. Their safety and the quality of their lives is and always will be in our hands, and thanks to Rhode Island’s lawmakers who have heeded to the voices of their constituents they are in very good hands.
Dr. EJ Finocchio, D.V.M. is the President of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Related Slideshow: Cats, Dogs, and Critters Available for Adoption—January 21, 2014
Related Articles
- Haircutting Marathon to Raise Funds for Bristol Animal Shelter
- Shepard Fairey Steps Up for Animals
- RI One of Best States for Anti-Animal Cruelty Laws
- Crackdown on Animal Abuse
- RI Celebrities Pose With Shelter Animals For Fundraiser
- NEW: Unlicensed Animal Shelter Under Investigation
- RISPCA Sees Improvement with Animal Protection Laws in RI
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—September 9, 2014
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—September 3, 2014
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—Sept 16
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—Sept 29
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—Oct 7
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—Aug 26th
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—August 19
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—July 22
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—July 29
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—August 5
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes—August 12
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes- Oct 14
- 10 Great Pets in Need Of Loving Homes-Oct 21
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes - Dec. 16
- 10 Great Pets In Need of Loving Homes - Dec 9
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes - Dec. 23
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes - Jan. 6
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes- Jan. 13
- 10 Great Pets In Need of Loving Homes - Dec 2
- 10 Great Pets In Need of Loving Homes - Nov. 25
- 10 Great Pets in Need Of Loving Homes
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes - Nov. 11
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes-Nov 18th
- 10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes - Jan. 20
