2012 -- H 8100

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LC02501

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - ANIMAL CARE

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Fellela, Serpa, Ferri, and Gallison

     Date Introduced: May 01, 2012

     Referred To: House Judiciary

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-19 of the General Laws entitled "Animal Care" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     4-19-22. Animal Registry. – (a) There shall be established and maintained by all animal

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shelters (as is defined in subdivision 4-19-2(7)) a registry of Rhode Island incorporated animal

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organizations, municipal animal shelters and private animal shelters willing to accept animals,

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including breed-specific rescues, for the purpose of adoption or long-term placement. The registry

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shall include the types and breeds of animals about which an organization wishes to be contacted

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and shall be available and accessible to the general public on the internet.

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     (b) In addition to any other applicable law regarding the disposition of animals, animal

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shelters shall meet the following conditions before euthanizing an animal pursuant to this chapter:

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     (1) The holding period for the animal has expired; and

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     (2) There are no empty cages, kennels or other living environments in the shelter suitable

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for the animal; and

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     (3) A foster home is not available through another municipal or private animal shelter or

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Rhode Island incorporated animal organization; and

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     (4) Another municipal or private animal shelter or Rhode Island incorporated animal

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organization is unwilling to accept the animal; and

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     (5) The animal care or control manager of the animal shelter has certified that the above

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conditions have been met and that he/she has no other reasonable alternative.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC02501

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - ANIMAL CARE

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     This act would require that animal shelters establish a registry of all organizations willing

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to accept animals for adoption or long-term placement, and would further require that animal

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shelters meet certain conditions prior to euthanizing an animal.

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      This act would take effect upon passage.

     

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LC02501

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H8100