2015 -- H 5194

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LC000418

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ADOPT A

MANDATORY CHILD ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ANIMAL ABUSE CROSS

REPORTING SYSTEM

     Introduced By: Representatives Morgan, Filippi, Giarrusso, Price, and Chippendale

     Date Introduced: January 21, 2015

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     WHEREAS, The District of Columbia, Illinois, Connecticut, and West Virginia have

fully mandated two-way cross reporting, in which animal/welfare personnel must report to each

other; and

     WHEREAS, There is a well-documented link between animal abusers and those who

commit other acts of violence, especially of domestic violence and child abuse; and

     WHEREAS, Animal control and humane officers that have first-hand knowledge of

animal abuse may also have knowledge of domestic violence and child abuse; and

     WHEREAS, The Department of Children, Youth and Families has first-hand knowledge

of domestic violence and may also have knowledge of animal abuse; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby respectfully requests that all

child protection/domestic violence case workers report suspected animal abuse to animal

control/humane officer agencies; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby respectfully requests that all

animal control and humane officers must report suspected child abuse and/or domestic violence

to Child Protection/Domestic Violence agencies; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Grange Legislative Director.

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LC000418

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