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Legislation Increasing Criminal Penalties for Animal Abuse to be heard before House/Senate Committee on Judiciary

Increases Penalties from Two Years to Five Years for the Malicious Injury to or Killing of Animals

Legislation filed at the request of Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin that would increase criminal penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals is scheduled to be heard today (Tuesday, March 8, 2016) before both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.

The legislation (H7317/S2658) is sponsored by Representative William O'Brien (D., District 54- North Providence) and Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio (D., District 4, North Providence, Providence).

This act amends section 4-1-5 ("malicious injury to or killing of animals") by increasing the imprisonment penalty for violation from no than two years to no more than five years. Currently, at least 30 jurisdictions have longer imprisonment periods for malicious injury or killing of animals. Of those 30 jurisdictions, 21 jurisdictions have an imprisonment period of five years or more and 17 of the jurisdictions' imprisonment periods are up to five years. The act also increases the community service requirement from 10 hours to fifty 50 hours.

With animal cruelty reports and investigations on the rise and rigorous prosecution of these cases, it has been clear that there is a need to increase the imprisonment penalty for these victim-based crimes. In fact, just last year, a defendant was sentenced to serve the full two years of the statutorily imposed sentence for maliciously injuring a pit bull puppy.

The increase in cases is a reflection of changing societal attitudes, greater awareness, and better education of law enforcement to recognize animal abuse. The Office of Attorney General provides training to the municipal and state police training academies.

"In many instances, the defendant charged with felony animal abuse has seen previous contact with the criminal justice system, most commonly for domestic violence offenses," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "The abuse towards a helpless, innocent animal is deplorable, and strict penalties are warranted. I commend Majority Leader Ruggerio and Representative O'Brien for their continued efforts to protect animals with this legislation."

"There must be serious repercussions for the cowardly and malicious acts of abusing, torturing, and killing a defenseless and innocent animal," said Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence). "Violent actions must be met with harsh penalties and I hope by increasing the severity of these punishments, more of our animals will be protected from the viciousness that is still sadly prevalent in our society toward some animals."

"It takes an especially cold and cruel type of human being to attack a vulnerable and helpless animal and I hope this legislation can not only deter future attacks but also bring some sort of justice to those animals who are victims of needless and abhorrent abuse," said Rep. William W. O'Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).

Studies continue to show that those who physically torment and kill animals are inclined to commit further violent acts towards humans. In fact, in October of 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that they will now be categorizing these crimes as a Group A crime that also includes homicide, arson and assault. This is due to the continued link between violent offenders who have histories of repeated acts of animal cruelty. In addition, American Humane Association reports that seventy one perfect of pet owning women who entered a shelter for relief reported that their abuser injured or killed their animal and thirty two percent reported that their children have injured or killed animals.

The legislation passed the Senate last year and enjoys the support of the Defenders of Animals, Volunteer Services of Animals, the RISPCA, the Potter League, and the Ocean State Animal Coalition.

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