2017 -- H 6216

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LC002664

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - ANIMAL CARE

     Introduced By: Representatives Lima, Shekarchi, Winfield, Slater, and Messier

     Date Introduced: May 12, 2017

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     4-19-7.1. Renting or leasing of dogs and cats prohibited.

     (a) The rental or leasing of a dog or cat, as a "forever pet" by any business or individual is

hereby prohibited. A "Forever Pet" is defined as any dog or cat purchased from a business or

person which purchase does not vest permanent ownership in the buyer.

     (b) No person or business may enter into any rental, leasing or loan agreement for the

sale of a dog or cat in which the animal is used as collateral for the agreement and/or loan or is

subject to repossession in any manner.

     (c) Any business or person entering or offering a dog or cat for lease or rental in violation

of this section shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the first violation and five

thousand dollars ($5,000) for each subsequent violation.

     (d) Any business found to be in violation of this section may also have its retail license

suspended or revoked at the discretion of the court.

     (e) No Rhode Island financial institution may offer a loan agreement for the sale or lease

of a “forever pet” in which the animal is used as collateral for the loan or is subject to

repossession upon default. Any financial institution found in violation of this section shall be

fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the first violation and five thousand dollars ($5,000) for

each subsequent violation.

     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 - ANIMAL CARE

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     This act would prohibit the rental, lease, or financing of any sale of a dog or cat by any

person, firm, or corporation with violations punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000)

for the first violation and five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each subsequent violation and/or

revocation of its retail sales license. Any violations by a financial institution offering any

financial agreement for the renting or leasing of a dog or cat shall be punishable by a one

thousand dollar ($1,000) fine for first violation and five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each

subsequent violation.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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