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SB 2151

AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

authorizes seizure and care of abandoned or neglected animals by local control officers and RISPCA, with custody, costs, and possible ownership transfer.

06/10/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2151

Summary of SB 2151 ( Rhode Island, 2026) – AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY — CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Purpose and intent

  • The bill expands and clarifies authority for animal control officers and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) to take charge of and care for animals found abandoned, neglected, or hazardously accumulated, and to enforce related protections against cruelty.
  • It provides a framework for temporary custody, care, restitution, and potential transfer of ownership of seized animals, with procedural steps and standards for court involvement.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Authority to seize and care for animals

    • Animal control officers (in cities or towns) and officers/agents of the RISPCA may lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to:
      • Abandoned or neglected animals
      • Animals with hazardously accumulated conditions (as defined in existing law)
      • Animals that are aged, maimed, disabled, lame, sick, diseased, injured, unfit for labor, or cruelly treated
    • These parties must give notice to the owner or guardian if known.

  2. Forfeiture of ownership upon certain convictions

    • Upon conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere for abandonment, neglect, hazardous accumulation, or other cruelty, the owner/guardian forfeits ownership or control of the animal to the Society (RISPCA) for disposition.

  3. Costs of care and collection of expenses

    • The owner/guardian must reimburse reasonable costs of care and treatment incurred while the animal is in custody of the city/town shelter or RISPCA.
    • The entity may file a civil action for damages 30 days after a written demand for payment is sent if payment is not received.
    • The written demand must state that failure to pay may result in forfeiture of ownership.
    • Care costs must be reasonable and reflect typical veterinary, sheltering, feeding, and boarding expenses in Rhode Island.

  4. Petition to regain custody

    • Within 60 days after notice of custody, the owner/guardian may petition the district court for an order to return custody.

  5. Court procedures for custody petitions

    • The court must issue a summons and hold a hearing, served at least 14 days before the hearing.
    • The hearing considers:
      • The animal’s condition
      • Care requirements to keep the animal safe and properly cared for
      • The petitioner’s ability to provide adequate care during criminal proceedings, if applicable
    • If the court finds the owner/guardian capable of proper care during the criminal proceedings, it may permit custody to continue under reasonable restrictions.

  6. Evidence standard

    • All issues are decided on a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., more likely than not).

  7. **Costs prior to hearing and post-hearing ownership

    • If the animal is returned to the owner, the owner will not be required to pay care costs incurred prior to the hearing unless there is a conviction or guilty plea for related cruelty issues.

  8. Failure to act or respond leading to transfer of ownership

    • If the owner/guardian fails to petition for custody within 60 days, or fails to pay the demanded costs within 60 days, the shelter or RISPCA may petition to transfer ownership to the shelter/organization.
    • If the owner fails to respond to a petition for transfer, the court shall transfer ownership to the shelter or RISPCA.

  9. Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Animal control officers in Rhode Island cities and towns
  • The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA)
  • Animal owners/guardians suspected of or convicted of animal neglect, abandonment, hazardous accumulation, or cruelty
  • Animal shelters and related care providers (including costs and funding for care)
  • Rhode Island courts (district court for custody petitions)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Seizure and care: Initiated when an animal is found abandoned/neglected/hazardous; notice to owner if known.
  • Cost recovery: Written demand for care costs; civil action may be filed 30 days after demand if unpaid.
  • Custody petition: Owner has 60 days to petition for custody after notice; 14 days’ service for hearings; hearing on the petition with standard evidence.
  • Custody decisions: Based on animal condition, required care, and owner’s ability to provide care during related criminal proceedings.
  • Transfer of ownership: Occurs if owner fails to petition for custody or to pay costs within specified timeframes.
  • Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence.

Overall impact

  • Strengthens enforcement of animal welfare laws by explicitly authorizing seizure and care by local animal control and RISPCA.
  • Creates a structured process for recovering or transferring custody of animals, including financial accountability for care costs.
  • Seeks to balance animal welfare with due process for owners, providing court review and opportunities to regain custody under set conditions.
  • Sets clear timelines for actions by shelters, owners, and courts, with potential statewide adoption of these procedures upon passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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