Rhode Island S2723 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty offenses committed by family or household members.

Rhode Island S2723 amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to include animal cruelty offenses among the crimes considered domestic violence when committed by family or household members. This bill defines domestic violence to encompass acts such as simple assault, felony assaults, vandalism, and other specified crimes, including unnecessary cruelty to an animal, malicious injury to or killing of an animal, and abandonment of an animal owned or cared for by a household member. The act takes effect upon passage.

Rhode Island S2723 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty offenses committed by family or household members.

Rhode Island S2723 amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to include animal cruelty offenses among the crimes considered domestic violence when committed by family or household members. This bill defines domestic violence to encompass acts such as simple assault, felony assaults, vandalism, and other specified crimes, including unnecessary cruelty to an animal, malicious injury to or killing of an animal, and abandonment of an animal owned or cared for by a household member. The act takes effect upon passage.