Animal Control Services

The Potter League for Animals serves as the housing facility for the animal control departments of Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth. Strays found by concerned citizens, police officers and animal control officers are brought to the Potter League.

The Potter League keeps a computerized listing of all animal reported missing and we regularly check this list against incoming animals. It is, however, highly recommended that those missing their pets visit the shelter in person. Descriptions of animals can vary greatly and animals are sometimes found a great distance from where they were originally reported missing.

Found animals that are brought to us are also listed on our “Lost & Found Pets” page.

See a stray? Make the call.

If you have a situation involving an animal, please call your local animal control officer. Local animal control agencies exist to protect and assist with many animal issues facing the public, from stray dogs to wild animals on private property. If you find a stray animal and animal control is unable to assist, we accept stray animals from Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth during regular business hours. There is no fee to bring a verified stray animal to the Potter League.

Reporting Cruelty & Neglect

As a rule, failure to provide adequate food, water, and shelter or the use of physical force sufficient to leave a mark or otherwise cause injury constitutes cruelty to animals according to most state laws. If you believe an animal is being mistreated, contact your local animal control officer. Your actions may not only help the animal, but also identify a person in need of help. Intervention can prevent escalation of abuse.

Animal Control Contacts

Middletown Animal Control: 401.846.1144
Portsmouth Animal Control: 401.683.0300
Newport Animal Control: 401.847.1306
Tiverton Animal Control: 401.625.6277
Little Compton Animal Control: 401.635.2311
Rhode Island SPCA: 401.438.8150
Coyote Information Line: 401.300.4695
Wildlife Hotline: 401.294.6363
Department of Environmental Management (DEM): 401.222.3070

Losing a pet is a terrifying experience. We can offer tips to help you find your pet and how to be reunited quickly if it happens again.

Lost & Found Pets
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