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Rhode Island Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can anyone give pet massages? Perhaps if they are advertised for relaxation purposes and not for medical purposes?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 8, 2017

Call the RI Licensing authority, they should be able to inform you of the necessary requirements, if any, to practice as a pet masseuse. http://www.health.ri.gov/regulations/?parm=Licensing

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: Ex brings son to school without service dog. Has lost service dog in the past. Do I have any recourse? Son is epileptic.
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 12, 2016

Consult with your family court attorney to explore potential remedies. This seems like an important medical concern directly related to the best interests of your child.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it illegal to bury your deceased dog/cat on your property?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 7, 2016

If you own the property, probably not. However, it would be prudent to check the ordinances for your particular town.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I keep a dog that was given to me to watch for two weeks but two months have gone by and we now love her?

The dog was originally given to someone else stating that they couldn't keep the dog because of landlord situations. Husband went to Massachusetts wife stayed in RI. They couldn't keep the dog so I told them I would be more than happy to take her. The original person brought her to my... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 16, 2016

Tally your costs for feeding and care of the pet. If the owner is willing to pay you for the return of your dog, you are obliged to give it back. If they agree to transfer ownership to you, get it in writing. If they file a lawsuit for the return of the animal, hire a good attorney to argue that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: can you recommend a lawyer, rhode island to help me get my 5 mo old dog back? can we discuss strength of case
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 10, 2016

try contacting the good folks at http://www.thelexusproject.org/

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: is there a rhode island law that states that non-service animals are not allowed in any store?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 1, 2016

There are many ordinances in the various towns regarding animals and many health department regulations regarding the prohibition of animals for health and safety reasons. Service animals are often exempt from these regulations. Here is an example of some in Warwick:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can my landlord make me get rid of my dog if the dog is on the lease?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 1, 2015

Sorry, I misread this to say leash. Probably not.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My friends dog barks a lot they fined him for it and now they took his dog is that legal and if so what should they do
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 12, 2015

Your friend should meet with, and retain, an attorney to help them get their dog back.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: If a dog attacks a family member on my property do I have the right to shoot the dog
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2015

If you haven't already shot the dog, please don't. It will be considered cruelty because you asked the question here first. If there is a dangerous dog that is threatening your family, report it to the authorities and keep yourself and your family safe.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: when the gentleman wanted my dog to meet his mom so i gave him a few days and he is refusing to give her back

there was only an agreement that he and his mom meet the dog and once i said i wouldn't give him sexual favors that he asked for he wont give her back nor let me see her

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 27, 2015

When you have a problem like this, it is best to contact the authorities. If that brings no results, see an animal law attorney and retain them to assist you.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex gifted me a dog, after brake up he took him! I want share custody! Possible? My kids miss the dog?

We broke up, we shared dog for a few months then he decided to stop letting me see the dog! My kids and I miss the dog what's my rights?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 6, 2015

Meet with a local attorney to review the particular facts of the case to evaluate your potential to prevail in a contest over the dog. Ask for an an estimate of the costs to pursue the matter and then you should be able to make an informed decision.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My pug scared at vet first appt snapped at her this time we went to vet my pug was scared bit her Can she sue me

Vet was aware he gets really scared still attempted a muzzle and throwing a blanket over his head when he bit her now says give him Valium and bring back she should have said this after first appt

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 30, 2014

It is a good sign that they are willing to see your pet again (with valium). They knew of the risk an were taking steps to prevent the bite when it happened. You can often avoid a lawsuit by discussing what damages the vet suffered and coming to some better alternative than spending time in court.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I Got a puppy in Missouri from a breeder and she is just 2 weeks and very sick can I get money back to help with the hos
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 30, 2014

If the contract was for a guaranteed healthy puppy, you may have a breech of contract case. If the breeder is not willing to work with you to resolve the situation, consult with a local attorney to assist you. If the breeder is claiming they sent a healthy puppy and they have a veterinary exam... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I have kids and live in a apartment. The upstairs neighbor has a pitbull. Is it a law that they need dog insurance
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 30, 2014

In Pawtucket, I believe that law was just overturned - see http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20141123-in-pawtucket-pit-bull-owners-celebrate-ruling-overturning-ban-on-breed-gallery.ece. If you are in fear for your children and /or you know this dog has a propensity to bite.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My dog was bitten by another dog in the neighborhood and needed stitches. Can I sue for the vet bill?

My neighbor's dog was not on a leash, my dog was leashed. My neighbor invited me into her yard and that's when her dog attacked and bit my dog. I just picked up the forms for small claims court and it says on the forms that you can't use small claims court for this type of case. Can... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 30, 2014

Meet with an attorney to assist you in navigating the court system. Bring your vet bills and have a candid discussion of costs versus likelihood of success.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex boyfriend wants the dog back but he was a birthday gift, he is now threatening to get the cops involved. Help??

The gift was given to me 3 months after my birthday I was with him when he purchased the dog and his name is on the paperwork. My name is on all the vet paperwork. He is now threatening to get the cops involved what should I do if they come, and can they take the dog?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 14, 2014

If he is over 18 years of age, the dog may be able to stay with you. If he is a minor the results may be different. Consider enlisting the services of a mediator as I suspect here are other issues you are not(and should not be) disclosing here.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My dog was hit by a speeding car , how fast the car was going is unknown. Is there anything I can do ?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jun 11, 2014

I am sorry to hear about your dog's injury. I hope they survived and recovered. Meet with an attorney to discuss the case and all the particulars including whether you have identified the car, owner, insurance company etc.

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