The Providence City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance that regulates dog breeding in Providence and requires dogs that are not registered for breeding to be spayed or neutered. The ordinance was introduced by Councilman Nicholas Narducci (Ward 4).

“We’ve taken an important step to ensure that dogs are bred responsibly in our city,” said Councilman Narducci. “This ordinance is the first of its kind in the state and will serve as a model for other municipalities to promote the well-being of animals.”

The ordinance establishes a new dog breeding permit, which will be administered by the City’s Animal Control Department. Potential breeding sites will be inspected prior to approval; sites must be found in compliance with applicable laws and meet the department’s standards for the proper care and breeding of dogs.

The ordinance also sets a maximum limit of 3 adult dogs per household and mandates that a dog owner without a breeding permit is required to have their dog/s spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.

The ordinance is endorsed by the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA). “The Rhode Island SPCA firmly supports the passage of this ordinance and commends the Providence City Council for setting a precedent for the rest of the state to follow,” said RISPCA Animal Cruelty Officer Joe Warzycha.