Dear Rhode Island legislators, Please consider creating and enforcing a state ordinance similar to 'HEART', which is currently being upheld in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This ordinance protects companion animals from commercial sale, yet allows small businesses to operate. Its a win-win. § 9-2-1-2 FINDINGS. (A) The Council finds that the City shall endeavor to protect animals in the City. Nothing herein shall be interpreted as expanding the scope of the City’s liability under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act. (B) The Council further finds that the people of Albuquerque should treat animals as more than just lifeless inanimate chattel property and recognizes that the relationship between human beings and animals is a special relationship that improves people’s lives and reflects basic humanitarian beliefs. (C) The Council further finds that the public mind- set toward animals must shift to the more progressive, humane, and compassionate attitude evident in other jurisdictions with stricter animal laws. Several other municipalities have achieved positive animal population management results by aggressively licensing and microchipping companion animals, permitting and tracking pet sales and animal breeding, and providing funding for free low and moderate income spay and neuter programs. For more information on the HEART program, please visit the link provided. *Special thank you to Caitlin Kelley for bringing this to our attention.*