Chapter 118
2017 -- S 0341 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/05/2017

A N   A C T
RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - ANIMAL CARE

Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Miller, Pearson, and Ciccone
Date Introduced: February 16, 2017

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:
     4-19-22. Animal control officers.
     (a) Effective January 1, 2019, no municipality shall employ any animal control officer
who has not received certification to be an animal control officer from the National Animal Care
& Control Association (NACA) or other equivalent organization as determined by the Rhode
Island sSociety for the pPrevention of cCruelty to aAnimals. All new hires will have a period of
twelve (12) months from date of hire to receive certification. All existing personnel employed as
animal control officers shall obtain their certification by January 1, 2019.
     (b) The training and certification program required by subsection (a) of this section shall
incorporate instruction that shall meet NACA guidelines for certification, including, but not
limited to, the following criteria:
     (1) Laws and regulations affecting animal control, animal welfare, and animal cruelty;
     (2) Domestic and wild animal behavior;
     (3) Handling and treatment of deceased or stray animals; and
     (4) Emergency procedures and conflict resolution skills.
     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC001540/SUB A
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