PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – There’s a new law in Rhode Island that would lead to consequences for people who abuse animals.
The legislation came to fruition following the case of “Moses”, a dog owned by a North Providence man that had to be euthanized, because it was in such poor health it could not recover.
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation on Wednesday that provides penalties for those who overwork, mistreat, or otherwise treat an animal cruelly, when the conduct results in the death of the animal.
That means that any person whose actions lead up to the death of an animal could be charged with the same penalties as someone who maliciously killed the animal.
If convicted, perpetrators could face up to five years in prison, be ordered to pay up to $1,000 in fines, and could be required to serve up to 50 hours of community service.
