Chapter 144

2017 -- H 5477 SUBSTITUTE A Enacted 07/05/2017

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - ANIMAL CARE

Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Bennett, Shanley, Hull, and Lima

Date Introduced: February 15, 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.

========

LC001556/SUB A

========