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3/6/2026
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Rep. O’Brien introduces bill that adds animal cruelty to domestic violence crimes
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STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien has introduced legislation that would add animal cruelty to domestic violence crime statutes. Representative O’Brien has been a strong advocate for animal protection laws since first entering the House of Representatives in 2013.
“As awful as it is, domestic abusers do sometimes target family pets to inflict pain on others, and such actions should be considered another form of domestic violence under the law. Anyone who purposively injures a defenseless animal deserves a harsh punishment, and like many other laws I have sponsored over my legislative career, I will strongly advocate for this bill’s passage to ensure animal and domestic abusers are held accountable,” said Representative O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).
The legislation (2026-H 7194) would add animal cruelty offenses to the list of domestic violence crimes committed by a family or household members against another.
Over the past several General Assembly sessions, Representative O’Brien has seen several animal protection bills become law. During the 2025 legislative session, bills he sponsored that outlawed nonmedically necessary cat declawing and stiffened the penalties for holding animal fights became law.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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