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3/4/2026
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Rep. Cruz’s bill to ensure pet medication safety heard by committee
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STATE HOUSE – Yesterday, the House Corporations Committee heard testimony on legislation sponsored by Rep. Cherie L. Cruz that would ensure that veterinarians provide crucial medication information to pet owners.
Representative Cruz refers to the bill as “Bella’s Law,” named after Bella, a service dog owned by the Dufault family of Pawtucket who lost her life due to complications resulting from medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
“This bill simply requires veterinarians to provide a client information sheet about the medications they are prescribing, including side effects, so families can make informed decisions on what their pet is taking, what are potential side effects and how to respond if a side effect occurs. I knew Bella, she was like Benji, and she was a complete sweetheart. I witnessed firsthand this devastating loss to the Dufault family and the damage this medication caused without any warning to Bella’s family. If Bella’s Law were in place, I truly believe Bella would still be here with us today,” said Representative Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket).
The legislation (2026-H 7841) requires veterinarians, when prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing a drug to an animal patient in an outpatient setting, to provide, verbally, in writing, or by email to the client, a consultation that includes the following information:
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The name and description of the drug;
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Route of administration, dosage form, dosage, duration of drug therapy, the duration of the effects of the drug, and the common severe adverse effects associated with the use of a short acting or long acting drug;
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Any special directions for proper use and storage;
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Actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose; and
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If available, precautions and relevant warnings provided by the drug's manufacturer, including common severe adverse effects of the drug.
At the committee hearing, Representative Cruz noted that in California, they have Lizzie's Law that mandates that veterinarians provide clients with key information every time a drug is prescribed to an animal, and in New York, they have Buoy's Law, legislation named after a pet that died from a drug-related adverse effect.
The bill was held for further study.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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