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5/30/2025
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Rep. O’Brien praises Senate passage of bill that stiffens animal cruelty penalties
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STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien is praising the Senate passage of legislation (2025-S 0559aa) sponsored by Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston) that stiffens the penalties for animal abuse. Representative O’Brien has introduced the legislation (2025-H 6089) in the House.
“This is an important piece of legislation that sends the clear message that Rhode Island will not tolerate animal abuse and cruelty. I applaud the Senate for supporting Senator Dimitri’s bill and I urge my colleagues in the House to join us in holding vile animal abusers accountable for their crimes against defenseless animals,” said Representative O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).
The legislation would increase the imprisonment penalty for abusing animals from 11 months to 364 days. Abuse under the legislation includes overworking, torture, torment,
deprivation of food, cruelly beating, mutilation, cruelly killing, or failing to provide the animal with proper food, drink, shelter, or protection from the weather.
The bill also increases the imprisonment penalty from two years to five years for second offenses of animal fighting. In addition, the bill adds a 20-hour community service penalty for first offenses, and a 50-hour community service penalty for subsequent offenses.
Senator Dimitri’s legislation now heads to the House for consideration, and Representative O’Brien’s bill is currently before the House Judiciary Committee.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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