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6/30/2025
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Bill that stiffens penalties for animal fighting is signed into law
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STATE HOUSE – Legislation sponsored by Rep. William W. O’Brien and Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri that stiffens the penalties for animal abuse, particularly the practice of holding animal fights, has been signed by the governor.
“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. Promoting and holding fights between innocent animals is just evil and anyone who engages in this disgusting practice must be punished severely. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for joining me in supporting this bill that holds animal abusers accountable for their vile behavior,” said Representative O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).
“Animal fighting is a despicable practice that has no place in Rhode Island. Unfortunately, animal fighting still occurs within our state’s borders, which means that the penalties are not strong enough and enhancement of them has been long overdue. With this bill’s passage, it is my hope that these increased penalties will finally end these abhorrent events,” said Senator Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston).
The law (2025-H 6089A, 2025-S 0559A) increases the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting from two to five years for a subsequent conviction. It also adds mandatory community service to sentencing, with every person convicted of a first offense required to perform 20 hours of community service, and every person convicted of a subsequent offense will be required to perform 50 hours of community service. The community service penalty will not eligible to be suspended or deferred.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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