RI – Providence City Council approves spay and neuter requirements, dog breeding restrictions
Providence is one step away from regulating dog breeders with spay and neuter requirements for other dog owners in the city.
At a recent council meeting, the council approved the second passage of an ordinance introduced by Councilman Nicholas Narducci, Jr.
“When we really looked into seeing how many illegal breeders there are, it kind of was sickening to see,” Narducci told NBC 10 News Tuesday.
According to the ordinance, people who want to breed dogs will have to obtain a permit through Providence’s Animal Control Department. The permitting process would include a site inspection.
The ordinance also states that dog owners who aren’t permitted breeders will be required to have dogs six months or older spayed or neutered. In addition, the ordinance notes that people who aren’t permitted dog breeders can’t have more than three adult dogs in their household.
Some people have raised questions about whether it is fair to responsible breeders who decide to not renew their permits. Once breeding dogs become too old to reproduce, they are often kept as pets.
A city council spokesperson told NBC 10 News that the city’s goal isn’t to separate dogs from responsible owners so animal control will develop policies to address those kinds of situations.
“The Rhode Island SPCA firmly supports the passage of this ordinance and commends the Providence City Council for setting a precedent for the rest of the state to follow,” RISPCA Animal Cruelty Officer Joe Warzycha said.
Narducci said if Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza signs off on the ordinance, it will go into effect immediately.
Stormy Hope
German Shepherd Dog Club of America Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet Owners Coalition, VP
Southern California Kennel Owners and Breeders, Secretary
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIA-CA on Facebook!
