Nardolillo: Pets Should Not Be Returned To Abusers

COVENTRY, RI — Rep. Robert Nardolillo III (R-Dist. 28 Coventry) has introduced a bill which would prevent the courts from returning pets to convicted animal abusers. Two animal abuse cases ended recently with slaps on the wrist for two men who left dogs outside in extreme cold. A judge this week allowed Eugene McQuade to take back three dogs even though he'd left the animals outside in extreme cold.

“Our courts have the power to protect these innocent creatures from further abuse but only if they are willing to hand down the appropriate sentences," Nardolillo said. "This bill will be a vital first step toward ensuring that no animal in Rhode Island is ever forced to live out their days under inhumane conditions.”

Nardolillo said he was dismayed when he learned Carlos Alves, 59, of Exeter, got a year probation and fines totaling $200 after he starved his dogs and warehoused 100 animals "in deplorable conditions." He was urging judges to give out harsher sentences, But then McQuade's case came up. That was the last straw for Nardolillo.

“This is simply unacceptable," Nardolillo said. "I was frustrated when I learned of the first man who would only face a fine for his cruelty. Since then I have called for judges in Rhode Island to impose harsher sentences on animal abusers but hearing that animals are being placed back into the custody of their abuser is too much to bear. No animal should ever be handed over to someone convicted of animal cruelty and I will do everything in my power to make sure it never happens again.”