Rhode Island landlords would no longer be able to require their tenants to declaw their cats under legislation pending in the state’s General Assembly. Senate majority leader Dominick Ruggerio announced his proposal Thursday. Ruggerio’s proposal would also prohibit landlords from demanding tenants remove the vocal cords of dogs as a condition of occupancy. The North Providence Democrat said landlords should not subject the pets of tenants to what he calls inhumane acts. The proposal is similar to a law in California, which was the first state to make it illegal for landlords to demand tenants to declaw a cat. Under Ruggerio’s proposal, tenants could still decline to rent to tenants with pets. The bill has not been scheduled for a hearing or vote.
PROVIDENCE
Comments
"Ruggerio’s proposal would also prohibit landlords from demanding tenants remove the vocal cords of dogs as a condition of occupancy"
Wow, really? I get the point but why not just say "no pets"?
You are using to much common sense when you write "why not just say no pets". There is a scam going on by "some" dog owners where they get a letter from a doctor stating that they need a dog, cat, or pig for "emotional support" and armed with that letter they can move into an apt or condo where there is a "no pets" policy. This is all done under the ADA Fair Housing Act. Have you been to the airport recently? The same scam is being used to bring dogs and other pets into the cabin area.
I honestly had no clue that was the case. Wow! They should be allowed to bring in nothing more than a Chia Pet or a Pet Rock. Although I suppose my argument goes out the window if the landlord accepts Section 8 funding. This story is helping me feel better about not buying into an opportunity to own a multifamily in Providence a few years back. Thank you baby Jesus for the wisdom to walk away from that one!