2014 -- H 8205

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LC005638

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

     Introduced By: Representatives Palangio, Serpa, Lima, Bennett, and Winfield

     Date Introduced: May 15, 2014

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-13 of the General Laws entitled "Dogs" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following section:

     4-13-44. Spaying and neutering of dogs. – (a) No person, as defined by § 4-19-2, shall

own or harbor within the state, any dog over the age of six (6) months which has not been spayed

or neutered, unless such person has adopted a dog from a licensed releasing agency as defined by

§ 4-19-2 and is subject to the spaying and neutering requirements of § 4-19-16 or holds either a

license to keep an unaltered dog, or a license and permit for breeding dogs issued by the animal

control officer for the city or town in which they live, or unless the caretaker states that due to

age, health, or illness it would be inappropriate to spay or neuter the dog and having in their

possession a letter from a licensed veterinarian stating such, which shall be provided to the animal

control officer.

     (b) An "intact" permit shall be issued for an unaltered dog if the owner signs a written

statement that such animal will not be allowed to breed unless the owner has first obtained a

breeding permit. An "intact" permit may be issued by the animal control officer to an individual

who refuses to spay or neuter their dog. The fee for such a permit shall be one hundred dollars

($100) per year. All funds from "intact" permits shall be deposited in the city or town's

spay/neuter account.

     (c) Any person providing care or sustenance for an uninterrupted period of sixty (60)

days or longer shall be deemed the owner of such animal and shall adhere to the provisions of this

chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

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     This act would require that dogs be spayed or neutered if they are over six (6) months old

unless adopted from a licensed releasing agency or if an "intact" permit is issued for the dog.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005638

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