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6/5/2019 Senate passes President Ruggerio’s legislation protecting animals in domestic abuse cases
STATE HOUSE — The Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) that would protect pets in the wake of animal abuse cases.

The legislation (2019-S 0225) would expand Family Court jurisdiction to enter protective orders to provide for the safety and welfare of household pets in domestic abuse situations.

“There is a strong correlation between domestic abuse and animal abuse,” said President Ruggerio. “If someone is violent towards humans they are likely to be violent towards animals. This legislation will ensure pets are protected under the law from domestic abusers, just as humans are.”

President Ruggerio is a longtime advocate for animal welfare. Last year, he sponsored a law requiring educational institutions that use dogs or cats for medical research to make those animals available for adoption when they are no longer useful for research.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where similar legislation (2019-H 5023) has been introduced by Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).


For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922