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: #9 (Top Tier)
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, 2024.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your own state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
In this free webinar, we walk you through the basics of how to pass a retail pet sale bans in your community — a powerful way to fight back against puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
This webinar will focus on passing a local prohibition on animals used in circuses and other traveling shows.
Recent Victories
Captive Hunting Prohibition (Rhode Island)
S.B. 2732 SUB A/H.B. 7294
This legislation would define and prohibit captive hunting for animals in Rhode Island.
Cat Declaw Bill (Rhode Island)
S.B.180A/H.B. 5668A
This bill would ban cat declawing in Rhode Island, except in rare cases when the procedure is performed for a legitimate therapeutic purpose for the well-being of the cat.
Consider Companion Animals’ Interests in Determining Custody (Rhode Island)
H.B. 5918
An Act Relating to Domestic Relations — Divorce and Separation would require courts to consider important factors relating to an animal’s interests in awarding sole or joint custody of a companion animal in divorce or separation proceedings.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2024 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws