Kennel Fined $15K Under New Animal Care Law

A Providence, Rhode Island, kennel has been fined $15,000 and ordered to close in the first action by the state under new laws designed to ensure that pet shops, shelters and other businesses that care for animals are treating them properly.

The state on Wednesday issued a notice of several violations to K9 to 5 Dog Center. That followed an investigation prompted when a dog boarding there was attacked by another dog and had to be euthanized.

The investigation found the dogs were not properly supervised at the time of the fight and the kennel was operating without a valid license after the business changed hands.

The kennel's owner, Rui Lopes, disputes the violations and says he is speaking to a lawyer about appealing. He can stay open pending the appeal.