RI: Rhode Island
Summary: Rhode Island lets EMS treat (including naloxone) and transport injured police dogs (R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-24, 2022). Serious harm is a felony, with triple damages to the owner (§ 4-1-30.1). There's nothing on vests, retirement or retired care.
Body armor
- None found.
Medical & insurance
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-24, "Humane transportation of K-9 partners," enacted 2022 by H 7021A (Rep. David A. Bennett) and S 3019 (Sen. Stephen R. Archambault; cosponsor Raptakis); P.L. 2022 ch. 295/296. EMS may give emergency treatment (basic first aid, CPR, life saving steps including naloxone) to a police dog injured in the line of duty and take it by ambulance to a vet, unless that would keep them from treating or moving a person. The Department of Health sets the protocols with the state veterinary association.
Retirement & service limits
- No statute was found.
Post retirement care
- None found.
Penalties for harming police animals
- § 4-1-30.1, Cruelty to public safety dogs and horses (old § 4-1-30 was repealed).
- Intentionally causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or death, or using a deadly weapon: felony, up to 5 years or $1,000, plus 50 hours of mandatory community restitution and possible triple damages to the owner.
- Malicious touching, striking or bodily harm: misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and/or 1 year.
Pending or failed bills
- None found.
Sources
- § 4-1-30.1: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE4/4-1/4-1-30.1.htm
- § 4-19-24: https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-4-animals-and-animal-husbandry/ri-gen-laws-sect-4-19-24/
- P.L. 2022: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law22/law22295.htm and http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law22/law22296.htm
- Governor's signing release: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-signs-legislation-providing-injured-police-dogs-ambulance-transport
- K9 Medic map: https://www.k9medic.com/k9-laws/
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