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2/23/2022 Rep. O’Brien introduces several animal protection bills
STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) has introduced several bills that strengthen Rhode Island’s animal protection laws.  Representative O’Brien has been a strong advocate for animal protection laws since first entering the House of Representatives in 2013 and he received the 2021 Defenders of Animals’ Human Heroes Award.

“Animals, whether domestic or wild, have no voice and sadly, more often than not, they are defenseless against cruel humans who wish to do them harm.  I am proud of my legislative accomplishments to help and protect animals in Rhode Island and the state has made great strides over the past few years to protect our pets and wildlife from the malicious abuse of these defenseless creatures.  Rhode Island is ranked as one of the top-five states in the country for animal protection and we are continuing this progress every legislative session,” said Representative O’Brien.

The first bill (2022-H 7412) sponsored by Representative O’Brien would make it illegal to conduct, sponsor, walk, exhibit or operate a traveling show or circus that includes live wild or other exotic animals on any public or private land in Rhode Island.  The legislation would not apply to domestic animals such as farm animals or educational exhibits.

The second bill (2022-H 7572) he introduced would prohibit a person convicted of killing an animal, or of unnecessary cruelty to animals amounting to torture, from owning or exercising control of an animal for life.  Any animal involved in the offense would be forfeited to the Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The third bill (2022-H 7573) sponsored by Representative O’Brien would create a legal process for former cohabitating parties to determine ownership of pets through the District Court.

The final piece of legislation (2022-H 7574) in Representative O’Brien’s 2022 animal protection legislative package would prohibit the declawing of a cat or other animal unless a licensed veterinarian has determined that the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose. Any person who violates this section would be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.

All four bills have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.



For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124