Q: Are you still legally able to have a pet if you are charged with animal abuse?

A: Hello,

Laws vary from state to state. For the state of Rhode Island, it may be helpful to read through R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 4-1-22(b), 4-1-40:

§ 4-1-40. Possession of animals

(a) In addition to any other penalty imposed by law, a person convicted of, or who entered a plea of nolo contendere to, any misdemeanor violation under the provisions of this chapter may, based on the discretion of the sentencing judge, not possess or reside with any animal for a period of up to five (5) years following entry of the conviction or upon acceptance of a plea of nolo contendere by the court. Any offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), by imprisonment for a term not more than one year, or both, and forfeiture of the animal(s).

(b) In addition to any other penalty imposed by law, a person convicted of, or who entered a plea of nolo contendere to, any felony violation under the provisions of this chapter may, based on the discretion of the sentencing judge, not possess or reside with any animal for a period of up to fifteen (15) years following entry of the conviction or upon acceptance of a plea of nolo contendere by the court. Any offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), by imprisonment for a term not more than one year, or both, and forfeiture of the animal(s).

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 2011, ch. 194, § 1, eff. July 1, 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 207, § 1, eff. July 1, 2011.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Boston Dog Lawyers at Office@bostondoglawyers.com.