2025 -- H 5926

========

LC000626

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

     Introduced By: Representatives Noret, J. Brien, Kazarian, O'Brien, and Finkelman

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2025

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-1 of the General Laws entitled "Cruelty to Animals" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     4-1-44. Intentional or negligent injury or death of a pet caused by the act of another -

- Cause of action -- Minimum and maximum noneconomic recovery.

     (a) If a person's pet is seriously injured or killed or sustains injuries which result in death

caused by the unlawful and intentional, or negligent act of another, the trier of fact may find the

individual causing the injury or death liable for up to a maximum of seven thousand five hundred

dollars ($7,500) in noneconomic damages; provided that, if such injury or death is caused by the

negligent or intentional act of another, the injury, death or fatal injury must occur on the property

of the injured or deceased pet's owner or caretaker, or while under the control and supervision of

the injured or deceased pet's owner or caretaker.

     (b) A person liable for the serious injury or death of a pet pursuant to the provisions of

subsection (a) of this section shall be liable for a minimum recovery for noneconomic damages as

follows:

     (1) Any person liable for the serious injury of a pet pursuant to the provisions of subsection

(a) of this section shall be liable to the owner of the pet in damages for noneconomic loss in a sum

not less than five hundred dollars ($500).

     (2) Any person liable for the death or injury resulting in death of a pet pursuant to the

provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be liable to the owner of the pet in damages for

noneconomic loss in a sum not less than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).

     (3) The recovery of noneconomic damages pursuant to the provisions of this section shall

be limited to a single recovery in the case of joint or multiple owners of the pet suffering serious

injury or death.

     (c) Noneconomic damages awarded pursuant to this section shall include, but not be limited

to, compensation for the loss of the reasonably expected society, companionship, love and affection

of the pet.

     (d) Limits for noneconomic damages set out in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply

to any related causes of action to include, but not be limited to, intentional infliction of severe

emotional distress; provided, however, the limitation on the recovery of noneconomic damages

pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall only apply to the claim for negligent

injury or death of the pet.

     (e) As used in this section:

     (1) “Caretaker” means any person to whom the pet owner has voluntarily relinquished

temporary control, custody and/or supervision of their pet.

     (2) "Pet" means any domesticated dog or cat normally maintained in or near the household

of its owner.

     (3) "Seriously injured" means any physical injury consisting of broken bone(s) or

permanently disfiguring lacerations requiring stiches or sutures.

     (f) This section shall not apply to any not-for-profit entity or governmental agency or their

employees, negligently causing the death of a pet while acting on behalf of the public health or

animal welfare.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC000626

========

LC000626 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

***

     This act would create a cause of action for the intentional or negligent injury or death of a

pet.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC000626

========

LC000626 - Page 3 of 3