PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Lawmakers in Rhode Island are considering whether to prohibit leasing arrangements for pets.
Democratic Rep. Charlene Lima introduced a bill that would ban the controversial practice. The House Health, Education and Welfare Committee will hear the proposal Wednesday.
Advocates say pet leasing is a predatory practice that allows people to finance the high cost of designer dogs, but the deals often come with large fees. The arrangements have drawn scrutiny after media reports last year highlighted complaints about Wags Lending, a company based in Reno, Nevada.
Lima’s bill would ban lease arrangements where a cat or dog “is used as collateral” or can be taken back by a business.
New York lawmakers have taken up a similar bill, and the legislatures in Nevada and California have outlawed the arrangements.