AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

SB 2472 increases maximum fines for repeated violations of local dog ordinances in 11 Rhode Island towns, including Barrington. For example, Barrington raises first-offense fines from $25 to $50, second offenses from $50 to $100, and third+ offenses from $75 to $150. The bill establishes tiered penalties based on offense count (first, second, third+) for each town and permits mail payment of citations. It directly affects dog owners who violate local leash laws, licensing rules, or other animal control ordinances. The bill does not create new violations but adjusts existing penalty structures for enforcement.