PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Animal abuse laws in Rhode Island could become tougher as lawmakers consider a group of new bills.
The Providence Journal reports a bill pending in the House Judiciary Committee would let prosecutors pursue felony charges for animal abuse cases that result in an animal’s death. Offenders could serve up to two years in prison.
A second bill would increase the maximum sentence for the malicious injury or killing of an animal from two years to five years in prison. It would also increase the maximum community service requirement from 10 hours to 50 hours.
Another bill would require the attorney general to create an online animal abuse registry containing the names and home addresses of people convicted of animal abuse.
The bills are scheduled to be considered Tuesday.
