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Rhode Island Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I rescued 6 wk old blind bulldog. I pay all the vet bills,heartwarm grooming ect. Reg to me. How do I get her back
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 6, 2021

It is unclear from whom or what you wish to get your rescue pet back from. If the pet was stolen from you, you may try contacting the police. If an owner with superior title has taken the pet, you may have to file a civil case. Make arrangements to meet with your local attorney to discuss all of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: New neighbor leaves one of their two dogs out barking for hours at a time in rural Richmond. What are my rights?
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 23, 2020

You can call animal control or whoever handles animal matters in your area.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: If my dogs get into a fight in my yard can animal control get involved if my neighbor called the police not me
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 6, 2020

Depending on who, or what, your dog was fighting with, one possible answer is yes. If animal control has filed a citation against you, meet with an attorney to explore all of your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My neighbor threatened to call the cops after my dog defecate on the side walk grass in front of his home.

I pick up my dogs feces each walk. I was under the impression its not illegal nor can I get fine if I am picking up after my dog. Where can I print this information to give him?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Apr 15, 2020

6.08.240 - Domestic animal waste and its removal

see: https://library.municode.com/ri/cranston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_TIT6AN_CH6.08DOOTAN_6.08.240DOANWARE

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can you change vets for a pet when the vet refuses to remove a person you added for care not ownership of your pet.

Vet very uncooperative. I ordered heartworm via online store, easier and faster for me because I can't travel to this vet because of the proximity to where I reside; they denied it because they want to see the pet. All my paperwork proves I'm the owner; but vet refuses to remove my ex... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 17, 2020

Since you are busy travelling, have you ex bring the pet. They have to be careful of identity theft - even for pets. Of course if your ex is not willing to care for the pet then you are free to engage any vet you like in any area you and the pet find convenient.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My girlfriend bought a dog with her check... I paY for shots..tk 2 vet The dog has my last name. I do all. Who owns?

Oh I do all walks,,feed...dog loves me.. Now she threatens to leave to California take the dog.. Who owns the dog? My last name, all vet all care but sge bought it

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 1, 2019

Pets are considered property. Even though the dog has your last name, she is most likely the owner. However, having contributed to the dog's care, you may have a right to reimbursement unless it is construed to be a gift. If you had written an agreement regarding these payments, that would be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Any laws about dogs barking non-stop when owners aren't home but leave windows open so very loud for hours at a time
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2019

Check your local municipal code for your specific town. The ordinance are generally available online.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What are my rights as a dog owner against false complaints?

When I let my dog out at night 10:30-midnight and he barks my neighbors complain (two of them - who have "ganged" up on me). (One neighbor says he wakes up her son and he can't go back to sleep.) My dog may only bark for a few seconds before I bring him in. (I stand in the doorway to... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2019

If upon affirmation in writing, signed by a resident of this town, and after investigation by the animal control officer or a police officer, that officer has cause to believe that an animal, whether licensed or not, is a habitual nuisance by reason of trespassing, howling, barking or making other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I took in my friends dog because she got evicted, ive had him for a year and she wants him back, what right do I have.
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 27, 2018

Of course, your rights will be well defined if you made a written agreement concerning who would pay for the costs. . .

If you cannot resolve it between the two of you, you may have to go to small claims court to resolve the matter.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Are you still legally able to have a pet if you are charged with animal abuse?

I'm asking for a project for school.

Jeremy Cohen
Jeremy Cohen
answered on Feb 5, 2018

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I live in Warwick RI and the Law allows us to have up to 3 dogs in our home what can I do if I wanted another dog,,?

Is there a permit of some sort that I can apply for?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 28, 2017

I would first talk to your landlord as this is an important part of your lease. Then check the municipal codes for your town. https://library.municode.com/ri/warwick

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: If my friend gives me their dog and they live in MA and I live in RI must the dog still be quarantined for 5 days?

What would that process entail?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 28, 2017

Check with your local town ordinances See Regulations at: http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/agric/animimp15.pdf

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I live in a Mobil home park in portsmouth there is a weight limit also 25 pounds. My neighbor has a full german shepard

I have made a written complaint to management also the owner of park. Gone to DBR of R.I. This dog lunges at me and my company on a daily basis animal control will not do anything to help me. I can not move freely on my property which states in my lease if this occurs contact management. Please... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My neighbors who live on the same premises keep feeding my animals without my permission. How can I make them stop?

My neighbors live in an apartment attached to my house on a farm and they repeatedly have fed and have gone as far as going into my house to feed my pets without my permission. I have asked them to stop as my animals are on restricted diets and in good health. They are good people but have... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 6, 2017

Lock your doors and don't leave the food accessible. Write them a letter informing them that they are not to come onto your property or feed your animals. If they persist, contact the local authorities for a no trespass order.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Are people required to pick up their dog's poop when walking through neighborhoods?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 4, 2017

http://www.health.ri.gov/healthrisks/petwaste/

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it legal in Pawtucket to own a pitbull?

I'm getting conflicting information. I'm a landlord and a potential tenant moving from MA has a Pitbull.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 2, 2017

Here are the regulations: from http://ecode360.com/8129136#8129255

§ 116-37.1 Pit bulls prohibited.

[Added 12-11-2003 by Ch. No. 2708]

A.

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell within...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can they impound my dog if it wounded another dog. Yet the owner of the wounded dog does not wish to press charges ?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jun 27, 2017

Yes, the city may take action under their ordinance. Seek professional assistance in defending this as it is a specialized practice to defend animals under the statutes and ordinances.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can someone surrender someone's dog without permission from the owner? Once dog is adopted, what rights does owner have?

Was lied to for 2 weeks that dog was still in a family members care as I recovered from surgery. Just found out yesterday she was surrendered without my permission or knowledge AND adopted a week ago. I have all of her records. What do I do now?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 3, 2017

Follow the trail ... call the police.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Tenants randomly sent service dog certificate & going to get a dog No pet lease. 4mo here w/o it? Not disabled they work

Tenanancy has been terminated for 4/2017. Sent in Feb. also didn't pay rent. Many police reports for domestic disturbances. My other tenants are very angry! Now says needs her dog that she's had. My paying tenants will leave of her boxer shows up tomorrow. I've started eviction. What... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 21, 2017

In the 9 days remaining in the month, you might contact the animal control officer while you are awaiting their departure. see https://www.animallaw.info/article/faqs-emotional-support-animals

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a dog be buried with owner if cremated in Rhode Island and or catholic cemetery.
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 3, 2017

Talk to your priest and funeral director.

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