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6/12/2025
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Rep. O’Brien urges passage of bill that stiffens animal cruelty penalties
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STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien is urging the passage of his legislation (2025-H 6089) that stiffens the penalties for animal abuse, particularly the practice of holding animal fights.
“This is an important piece of legislation that sends the clear message that Rhode Island will not tolerate animal abuse and cruelty, especially when it comes to organized animal fighting. The Senate already thankfully passed this legislation and I urge my colleagues in the House to join me in holding vile animal abusers accountable for their crimes against defenseless animals. Promoting and holding fights between innocent animals is just evil and anyone who engages in this disgusting practice must be punished severely,” 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.
The bill currently is being held for further study by the House Judiciary Committee. Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri sponsored the legislation (2025-S 0559aa) in the Senate, which passed the chamber on May 29.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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