Bill > S0398

This bill addresses the sale of parrots in Rhode Island by implementing significant restrictions on how and where these birds can be sold. The legislation prohibits pet stores from selling parrots obtained from breeders or brokers, instead allowing them to sell parrots only from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The bill provides detailed definitions for key terms like "animal care facility," "animal rescue organization," and "parrots," and strictly forbids selling parrots in public spaces such as outdoor markets, parks, roadsides, and commercial parking lots. Pet stores will have a one-year grace period to sell existing parrots, and they must clearly display the source of any parrots during adoption events. Violations will result in civil fines of $1,000 per unlawful sale, with increased penalties of $1,500 if stores acquire additional parrots from breeders or brokers during the grace period. The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations. An advisory committee from local parrot rescue organizations will assist pet stores in implementing these new requirements and will provide an implementation status report after 18 months. The bill aims to protect parrots by limiting their commercial sale and promoting adoption from rescue organizations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://status.rilegislature.gov/