Rhode Island Reconsiders Court-Appointed Animal Advocate Program

Rhode Island House Bill 7678, a companion to Senate Bill 2227, would authorize courts overseeing a criminal animal abuse case or civil proceeding where the welfare or custody of an animal is at issue to appoint an advocate who would make recommendations to the court based on the interests of justice. The bill, which has been introduced without success in multiple legislative sessions, has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.