S.2151

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.

Chamber Passed·5/28/26
Introduced Text

Animal control officers in Rhode Island can take charge of and care for abandoned, neglected, or hazardously accumulated animals.

This bill allows animal control officers in cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned, neglected, or hazardously accumulated. It includes these officers as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law. The bill also outlines procedures for the return of animals to their owners, forfeiture of ownership rights, and the ability for shelters or the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to petition the court for transfer of ownership if the owner fails to respond.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the Senate · 36–0 · May 28
Current
The House
Next
House floor vote

Sponsors

DDDDDDDDDD
10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Passage

36 Yea

DDDDDDRDRDDRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDRDDDDD

0 Nay

2 Not Voting

DD

Calendar

May 21

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Consideration

Apr 14

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

May 28

Senate

Senate read and passed

May 22

Senate

Placed on Senate Calendar (05/28/2026)

May 21

Senate

Committee recommends passage