Rhode Island Preempts Breed-Specific Dog Bans

R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13.1-22 prohibits any city or town from enacting or enforcing ordinances based upon the breed of a dog. Rhode Island treats vicious dogs through behavior-based standards under Chapter 4-13.1 (Regulation of Vicious Dogs), focusing on individual conduct such as biting, attacking, or chasing. Pre-existing breed ordinances were invalidated. Municipalities retain authority to designate individual dogs as vicious after due process, require muzzling or confinement of vicious dogs, and impose registration. The preemption is comprehensive and any breed-targeted local rule is unenforceable.

Local breed-based ordinances are void and unenforceable. Municipalities enforcing breed bans face legal challenges; affected dog owners can seek injunctive relief and damages.