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Family testimony and veterinary association back client‑information requirement after pet’s death
Summary
Sponsor introduced "Bella's Law" requiring veterinarians to provide client information sheets when drugs are prescribed; the bereaved owner recounted a fatal adverse reaction and veterinary trade representatives said they are working with the sponsor to refine language to avoid conflicts with professional practice rules.
Representative Cruz introduced H‑7,841 ("Bella's Law"), which would require veterinarians to provide a client information sheet explaining prescribed medications, possible side effects and how to respond to adverse events. The sponsor said the bill grew out of the death of a service dog named Bella and that the measure is modeled on similar state laws (cited: California's "Lizzie's Law," New York's "Bowie's Law").
Glenn Dufault, introduced by the sponsor as Bella's owner, testified about Bella's sudden adverse reaction and urged mandatory disclosure: "If Bella's law was in place, I truly believe Bella would be here with us today." He described symptoms he said matched the recommended client information sheet and asked lawmakers to move the bill forward.
The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA) testified through Landon Lopes that veterinarians support transparency but requested language tweaks to align with the Practice Act and avoid conflicts with existing professional obligations. RIVMA said veterinarians typically receive package inserts and that client information sheets are recommended by regulatory bodies; their witness said the association has been working with the sponsor on adjustments.
Committee members offered condolences and noted the emotional testimony. Technical discussions focused on scope, existing practice guidance and ensuring the bill aligns with veterinary licensing and practice statutes.
The committee held the bill for further study; no vote on enactment occurred at the hearing.
