PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Dogs are banned from Rhode Island’s veterans’ cemetery under a new state law that imposes a $500 fine on pet owners who break it.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo is scheduled to hold a signing ceremony Tuesday at Warren Town Hall for the pet ban and several other new laws affecting veterans.
Lawmakers introduced the legislation after cemetery visitors said it was disrespectful for dogs to roam the state’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.
Service animals are exempted from the ban.
The other new laws allow private employers to provide hiring preferences for veterans; protect jobs for Rhode Island residents serving in the National Guard; and allow veterans applying for benefits to get free copies of medical records.
The event is ceremonial. Raimondo has already officially signed the bills into law.
