
Rhode Island
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Rhode Island
Overall Rank: #5 (Top Tier)
- +Mandatory post-conviction possession bans
- +Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty, and have immunity for doing so
- +Felony provisions for cruelty, neglect, abandonment, fighting, and sexual assault of animals
- -Social services professionals are not required to report suspected animal cruelty
- -Sexual assault of animals statute is poorly defined

Animal Protection Laws of Rhode Island
The Animal Protection Laws of Rhode Island compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Rhode Island with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban

Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
Recent Victories
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws