

Cranston, RI —Defenders of Animals honored Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) with the Humane Heroes Award at their annual Homeless Animals Day in Cranston Aug. 15.
The award was given to Solomon “in recognition of his legislative efforts, dedication, and steadfast commitment to the concerns of the plight of dogs left outside throughout Rhode Island.”
Solomon sponsored legislation last session to regulate the treatment of dogs kept outside in extreme temperatures. It passed the House of Representatives, but was never voted on in the Senate before that chamber adjourned.
The 2014 session ended abruptly June 25 with many items undecided. The truncated legislative session also stalled action on Senate Bill S0117, which would’ve created a Road Construction Business Economic Hardship Relief Fund using 10 percent of a project’s budget. Rep. Dave Bennett (D – Dist. 20, Warwick) referenced that bill as a possible aid for Apponaug businesses during the Apponaug Circulator Project.
Solomon’s bill would have made it a violation to keep any dog outside when the ambient temperature is beyond the industry standard for the weather safety scale as set forth in the most recent adopted version of the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale if the dog is showing signs of poor health due to the weather conditions.
“I am honored that Defenders of Animals chose to honor me in this way,” said Representative Solomon. “I am particularly proud that I share an award that has been won in the past by legislators who are known for their animal-friendly legislation, such as Representatives Pat Serpa and Charlene Lima. I will continue my efforts next session to get this legislation passed. It is important not only to help protect defenseless dogs, but to make certain that those who mistreat them face serious consequences.”
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