Title 4 — Animals and Animal Husbandry

Chapter 4-1 Cruelty to Animals

§ 4-1-1 Definitions — Responsibility for agents and employees.

§ 4-1-2 Overwork, mistreatment, or failure to feed animals — Shelter defined.

§ 4-1-3 Unnecessary cruelty.

§ 4-1-3.1 Prohibited practices in destruction of animals.

§ 4-1-3.2 Animal confinement in motor vehicles prohibited.

§ 4-1-4 Abandonment of infirm animals.

§ 4-1-5 Malicious injury to or killing of animals.

§ 4-1-6 Shearing of horses in winter.

§ 4-1-6.1 Operating upon tails of bovines prohibited.

§ 4-1-7 Live poultry containers.

§ 4-1-8 Sale of chicks and ducklings — Dyeing prohibited.

§ 4-1-9 Animal fighting.

§ 4-1-10 Possession or training of fighting animals.

§ 4-1-11 Attendance at bird or animal fight.

§ 4-1-12 Entry of premises where bird or animal fights are conducted — Arrest — Seizure of birds or animals.

§ 4-1-13 Forfeiture of fighting birds or animals.

§ 4-1-14 Appeal of sentence of forfeiture.

§ 4-1-15 Expense of care of seized birds or animals.

§ 4-1-16 Use of birds as targets.

§ 4-1-17 Unloading of animals in transit for rest, water, and feeding.

§ 4-1-18 Arrest of violators without warrant — Care of animals.

§ 4-1-19 Issuance of search warrants.

§ 4-1-20 Duty of police officers — Fines paid to society for prevention of cruelty to animals.

§ 4-1-21 Powers of agents of society for prevention of cruelty to animals.

§ 4-1-22 Care of neglected animals by society — Forfeiture of owner’s rights — Expenses.

§ 4-1-23 Destruction of infirm animals by society.

§ 4-1-24 Jurisdiction of offenses — Appeals.

§ 4-1-25 Appropriations for prevention of cruelty — Payments to society.

§ 4-1-26 Abandonment of animals.

§ 4-1-26.1 Reports of abandoned, neglected or abused animals.

§ 4-1-27 Auction of lost or abandoned animals and poultry.

§ 4-1-28 Greasy pig contests prohibited.

§ 4-1-29 Release of caged animals in park or zoo.

§ 4-1-30 [Repealed.]

§ 4-1-30.1 Cruelty to public safety — Dogs and horses.

§ 4-1-31 Assignment of state veterinarian.

§ 4-1-32 Repealed.

§ 4-1-33 Persons using animals for research — Registration.

§ 4-1-34 Destruction of racing greyhounds.

§ 4-1-34.1 Restriction on sale of greyhounds.

§ 4-1-34.2 Autopsies and medical treatment permitted.

§ 4-1-34.3 Violations — Penalties.

§ 4-1-35 Community restitution.

§ 4-1-36 Psychiatric counseling.

§ 4-1-37 Immunity from suit.

§ 4-1-38 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-1-39 Transport and shelter of horses.

§ 4-1-40 Possession of animals.

§ 4-1-41 Devocalization or declawing as requirement for property occupancy prohibited.

§ 4-1-42 Care of neglected animals by department — Forfeiture of owner’s rights — Expenses.

§ 4-1-43 Use of bullhooks or similar devices on elephants prohibited.

§ 4-1-44 Declawing cats prohibited.

Chapter 4-1.1 Unlawful Confinement of a Covered Animal

§ 4-1.1-1 Definitions. [Effective until July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-1 Definitions. [Effective July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-2 Purpose. [Effective until July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-2 Purpose. [Effective July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-3 Unlawful confinement. [Effective until July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-3 Unlawful confinement. [Effective July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-4 Exceptions. [Effective until July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-4 Exceptions. [Effective July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-5 Penalty. [Effective until July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-5 Penalty. [Effective July 1, 2026.]

§ 4-1.1-6 Severability.

Chapter 4-1.2 Seizure of Animals Being Cruelly Treated

§ 4-1.2-1 Seizure of animals being cruelly treated.

§ 4-1.2-2 Notice of hearing.

§ 4-1.2-3 Order for temporary care of seized animals.

§ 4-1.2-4 Posting of bond.

§ 4-1.2-5 Disposition of seized animals.

Chapter 4-2 Commercial Feeds

§ 4-2-1 Title.

§ 4-2-2 Enforcing official.

§ 4-2-3 Definitions.

§ 4-2-4 Registration.

§ 4-2-5 Labeling.

§ 4-2-6 Misbranding.

§ 4-2-7 Adulteration.

§ 4-2-8 Prohibited acts.

§ 4-2-9 Rules and regulations.

§ 4-2-10 Inspection, sampling, and analysis.

§ 4-2-11 Withdrawal, condemnation, and confiscation of commercial feeds.

§ 4-2-12 Penalties.

§ 4-2-13 Cooperation with other entities.

§ 4-2-14 Publication of information.

§ 4-2-15 Severability.

§ 4-2-16 — 4-2-18 Repealed.

Chapter 4-3 Garbage Feeding

§ 4-3-1 Definitions.

§ 4-3-2 Applicability of §§ 4-3-1 — 4-3-11.

§ 4-3-3 Permit required to feed garbage.

§ 4-3-4 Application for permit — Fee.

§ 4-3-5 Requirements for permit.

§ 4-3-6 Cooking or treatment of garbage.

§ 4-3-7 Revocation or denial of permits.

§ 4-3-8 Access of inspectors to property.

§ 4-3-9 Maintenance and examination of records.

§ 4-3-10 Enforcement — Rules and regulations.

§ 4-3-11 Penalty for violations.

§ 4-3-12 Approval of feeding sites by a city or town council.

§ 4-3-13 Carrying of swill into Middletown.

Chapter 4-4 Animal Diseases in General

§ 4-4-1 Appointment of inspectors to inspect diseased animals — Quarantine — Veterinarians.

§ 4-4-1.1 Animals defined.

§ 4-4-2 Compensation of commissioners and veterinarians — Duties — Removal.

§ 4-4-3 Reporting of diseased animals — Destruction.

§ 4-4-4 Repealed.

§ 4-4-5 Right of entry where disease suspected.

§ 4-4-6 Repealed.

§ 4-4-7 Compensation for condemned equine animals.

§ 4-4-8 Exposure of diseased animals to contact with healthy animals.

§ 4-4-9 Sale, use, or exposure of diseased animals — Refusal to destroy.

§ 4-4-10 Sale of diseased or disabled animals.

§ 4-4-11 Interference with enforcement — Violation of quarantine.

§ 4-4-12 Cooperation with federal government in suppression of diseases.

§ 4-4-13 Powers of federal and state inspectors — Assistance by peace officers.

§ 4-4-14 State immunity.

§ 4-4-15 Cooperation in federal Bang’s disease plan.

§ 4-4-16 Compensation for animals killed in Bang’s disease program.

§ 4-4-17 Importation or exposure of diseased animals.

§ 4-4-18 City and town ordinances.

§ 4-4-19 Orders prohibiting importation of animals.

§ 4-4-20 Publication of information on diseases.

§ 4-4-21 Inspectors on roads and railroads.

§ 4-4-22 Sale of infected animals or milk.

§ 4-4-23 Regulations for suppression of disease.

§ 4-4-24 State rules paramount to local.

§ 4-4-25 Signature of orders and notices.

§ 4-4-26 Limitation of prosecutions.

§ 4-4-27 Certification of turtles as free of salmonellosis required.

Chapter 4-4.1 Importation of Equines

§ 4-4.1-1 Definitions.

§ 4-4.1-2 Quarantine procedure.

§ 4-4.1-3 Regulations.

§ 4-4.1-4 Fees.

§ 4-4.1-5 Violations — Penalties.

Chapter 4-5 Tuberculosis Control

§ 4-5-1 Report of affected animal — Test.

§ 4-5-2 Identification of reactors.

§ 4-5-3 Condemnation of diseased animals.

§ 4-5-4 Appraisal of condemned animals.

§ 4-5-5 Sale of carcasses of condemned animals.

§ 4-5-6 Payment for condemned animals — Prerequisites.

§ 4-5-7 Repealed.

§ 4-5-8 Repealed.

§ 4-5-9 Animals imported for slaughter.

§ 4-5-10 Repealed.

§ 4-5-11 Repealed.

§ 4-5-12 Repealed.

§ 4-5-13 Repealed.

§ 4-5-14 Quarantine of imported cattle — Intradermic test.

§ 4-5-15 Slaughter of infected cattle — Release of cattle free from tuberculosis.

§ 4-5-16 Penalty for violation of import requirements.

§ 4-5-17 Willful violations of import requirements.

§ 4-5-18 Violations by public officers.

§ 4-5-19 Penalty for violations generally.

§ 4-5-20 Establishment of tuberculosis-free areas.

§ 4-5-21 Advertisement of tuberculosis-free areas.

§ 4-5-22 Administration of tuberculosis-free areas.

§ 4-5-23 Violations as to tuberculosis-free areas.

Chapter 4-6 Brucellosis Control

§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-3 Repealed.

§ 4-6-4 Brucellosis test.

§ 4-6-5 Slaughter of all reactors in state.

§ 4-6-6 Indemnities.

§ 4-6-7 Rules and regulations.

§ 4-6-8 Penalty for selling or transporting cattle in violation of chapter.

§ 4-6-9 Annual appropriations — Disbursements.

Chapter 4-6.1 Inspection and Control of Cattle Produced Milk

§ 4-6.1-1 Definitions.

§ 4-6.1-2 Director to enforce permit requirements for producers.

§ 4-6.1-3 Director to keep information concerning producers.

§ 4-6.1-4 Coloring of milk not meeting standards.

§ 4-6.1-5 Dairy farms to be open to inspection.

§ 4-6.1-6 Director may take action concerning violations.

§ 4-6.1-7 Director empowered to require information.

§ 4-6.1-8 No person to sell milk in violation of this chapter or chapter 2 of title 21.

§ 4-6.1-9 Director empowered to hire assistants.

§ 4-6.1-10 Penalties for violations.

§ 4-6.1-11 Appropriations.

§ 4-6.1-12 Director of health to enforce this chapter and chapter 2 of title 21 — Rules and regulations.

Chapter 4-7 Livestock Dealers

§ 4-7-1 License required.

§ 4-7-2 Rules and regulations — Terms of licenses — License and renewal fees.

§ 4-7-3 Revocation or suspension of license.

§ 4-7-4 Dealing without license.

§ 4-7-5 Compliance with importation regulations.

§ 4-7-6 Definitions.

§ 4-7-7 Director to supervise movement of livestock.

§ 4-7-8 Application for license.

§ 4-7-9 — 4-7-12 Repealed.

§ 4-7-13 Revocation of license — Hearing.

§ 4-7-14 [Repealed.]

§ 4-7-15 Display of license.

§ 4-7-16 License fees.

§ 4-7-17 Bill of sale required.

§ 4-7-18 Exceptions from provisions.

§ 4-7-19 Administration — Rules and regulations.

§ 4-7-20 Enforcement.

§ 4-7-21 Repealed.

§ 4-7-22 Treble damages in civil action by producer — Alternative remedy.

§ 4-7-23 Penalty for violations.

Chapter 4-8 Milk Gathering Stations

§ 4-8-1 Definitions.

§ 4-8-2 License required — Application.

§ 4-8-3 Issuance of license — Terms.

§ 4-8-4 Proof of financial security.

§ 4-8-5 Statements of defaulted claims against licensees.

§ 4-8-6 Action to determine amounts due creditors of licensees.

§ 4-8-7 Liability of sureties.

§ 4-8-8 Statement of disbursements — Additional bonds.

§ 4-8-9 Schedule of prices — Accounts of purchases.

§ 4-8-10 Record of transactions — Periodical statements to sellers.

§ 4-8-11 Applications for investigation.

§ 4-8-12 Investigative powers of director.

§ 4-8-13 Adjustments and hearings on complaints.

§ 4-8-14 Grounds for denial or revocation of license.

§ 4-8-15 Judicial review of decisions refusing or revoking licenses.

§ 4-8-16 Penalties for violations.

§ 4-8-17 Disposition of fines.

§ 4-8-18 Employment of help by director — Expenses.

§ 4-8-19 Other laws preserved — Producers exempt.

Chapter 4-9 Biological Products

§ 4-9-1 Products to be labeled.

§ 4-9-2 Authorization for distribution of products sold or given away.

§ 4-9-3 Use and disposition of products — Records and reports.

§ 4-9-4 Repealed.

§ 4-9-5 Repealed.

§ 4-9-6 Repealed.

§ 4-9-7 Repealed.

§ 4-9-8 Treatment of animals to prevent normal reaction to tests — Sale or removal of reactors.

§ 4-9-9 Penalty for violations.

§ 4-9-10 Prosecution of violations.

§ 4-9-11 Federal approval of vaccines required.

Chapter 4-9.1 Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities

§ 4-9.1-1 Definitions.

§ 4-9.1-2 Allowable medication donations.

§ 4-9.1-3 Drugs not eligible for donation or reissuance.

§ 4-9.1-4 Reissuance of medications.

§ 4-9.1-5 Immunity from civil or criminal liability.

§ 4-9.1-6 Sale of donated medications prohibited.

§ 4-9.1-7 Handling of donated medications.

§ 4-9.1-8 Rules and regulations.

Chapter 4-10 Handling of Live Poultry

§ 4-10-1 Definitions.

§ 4-10-2 Supervision of movement of poultry.

§ 4-10-3 License to deal in or transport poultry.

§ 4-10-4 Limited and unlimited licenses — Bond.

§ 4-10-5 Holding of unlimited licensee’s bond.

§ 4-10-6 Defaults by licensed dealers.

§ 4-10-7 Unpaid claims exceeding bond.

§ 4-10-8 Issuance and revocation of licenses.

§ 4-10-9 Repealed.

§ 4-10-10 Display of license.

§ 4-10-11 License fees.

§ 4-10-12 Bill of sale to accompany poultry in transit.

§ 4-10-13 Persons and organizations exempt.

§ 4-10-14 Administrative powers of director — Rules and regulations.

§ 4-10-15 Enforcement — Prosecution of violations.

§ 4-10-16 Penalty for violations.

Chapter 4-11 Psittacine Birds

§ 4-11-1 Birds subject to chapter.

§ 4-11-2 Importation certificate.

§ 4-11-3 Records to be kept by dealers.

§ 4-11-4 Banding of birds imported, sold, or given.

§ 4-11-5 Banding of breeding stock.

§ 4-11-6 Notice of intent to breed birds.

§ 4-11-7 Treatment of birds exposed to psittacosis.

§ 4-11-8 Notice of unusual illness or deaths.

§ 4-11-9 Quarantine and destruction of nonpsittacine birds exposed to psittacosis.

§ 4-11-10 Indemnity for destroyed birds denied.

§ 4-11-11 Enforcement of chapter — Rules and regulations.

§ 4-11-12 Penalty for violations.

§ 4-11-13 Other laws unimpaired.

Chapter 4-12 Apiculture

§ 4-12-1 Title.

§ 4-12-2 Definitions.

§ 4-12-3 Inspector of apiaries — Deputies and assistants.

§ 4-12-4 Inspectors — Qualification.

§ 4-12-5 Inspection/survey of apiaries — Notice — Entry — Abatement of infection — Infestation of undesirable bees.

§ 4-12-6 Specialized examination — Inspection fees — Accessibility.

§ 4-12-7 Certification of health — Expiration — Quarantine — Eradication.

§ 4-12-8 Movement permit required — When — Form — Issuance — Verbal authorization.

§ 4-12-9 Quarantine areas outside state — Seizure — Inspection — Eradication.

§ 4-12-10 Quarantines inside state — Seizure — Inspection — Notice — Eradication — Lien for expenses.

§ 4-12-11 Revocation of movement permit.

§ 4-12-12 Registration of apiaries.

§ 4-12-13 Identification of apiaries — Abandoned apiaries — Written notice — Steps to protect neighboring apiaries.

§ 4-12-14 Reports and records of inspector.

§ 4-12-15 Powers and duties of director — Rulemaking.

§ 4-12-16 Beekeeping advisory board.

§ 4-12-17 Penalties.

Chapter 4-13 Dogs

§ 4-13-1 Regulatory ordinances — Enforcement and penalties.

§ 4-13-1.1 Towns of Portsmouth, West Warwick, and Middletown and city of Woonsocket — Vicious dog ordinance.

§ 4-13-1.2 Definitions.

§ 4-13-1.3 Rabies control board.

§ 4-13-2 Tax imposed by cities and towns — Enactment of local laws to prevent damage to livestock.

§ 4-13-3 Prior ordinances preserved.

§ 4-13-4 Dog licenses — Fees — Penalties.

§ 4-13-4.1 Notice to new owner of inoculation and licensing requirements.

§ 4-13-5 License information and record.

§ 4-13-6 Repealed.

§ 4-13-7 Notice as to time and place of issuing licenses.

§ 4-13-8 Disposition of license fees.

§ 4-13-9 Pups exempt from license.

§ 4-13-10 Thoroughbred dogs exempt — Kennel licenses.

§ 4-13-11 Annual census of dogs — List of licenses issued.

§ 4-13-12 Repealed.

§ 4-13-13 Wrongful removal of collar — Theft or destruction of licensed dogs — Poisoning.

§ 4-13-14 Licensing by police authorities.

§ 4-13-15 Collaring of dogs — Impoundment and disposition of uncollared dogs.

§ 4-13-15.1 Ordinances concerning unrestricted and vicious dogs prohibited — Leash laws.

§ 4-13-16 Action for damages to animals — Double damages on second recovery — Destruction of offending dog.

§ 4-13-16.1 Injury to seeing-eye dogs or persons who are visually impaired— Damages.

§ 4-13-17 Civil liability of person harboring dog for damages.

§ 4-13-18 Destruction of dogs in defense of person or livestock.

§ 4-13-19 Order to confine or kill vicious dog — Subsequent damages.

§ 4-13-20 Appraisal of damages done by dogs.

§ 4-13-21 Appraisal and payment of damages in certain Newport county towns.

§ 4-13-22 Subrogation of town or city to claim for damages.

§ 4-13-23 Sworn testimony before appraiser.

§ 4-13-24 Penalty for neglect of duties.

§ 4-13-25 Election of special constable and appraiser in Pawtucket.

§ 4-13-26 — 4-13-28 Repealed.

§ 4-13-29 Quarantine to suppress rabies — Report of cases.

§ 4-13-29.1 Responsibility for local rabies control.

§ 4-13-29.2 Exemption from liability.

§ 4-13-29.3 Regulations for suppression of rabies.

§ 4-13-30 [Obsolete.]

§ 4-13-31 Compulsory rabies vaccination.

§ 4-13-32 Penalty for violation of rabies suppression provisions.

§ 4-13-33 Agent of society for prevention of cruelty as special constable.

§ 4-13-34 Correction of defects in prosecutions.

§ 4-13-35 Immunity of officers from costs.

§ 4-13-36 Agent of Robert Potter league for animals in town of Portsmouth as special constable.

§ 4-13-37 Agent of Robert Potter league for animals in town of Middletown as special constable.

§ 4-13-38 Dogs attacking deer.

§ 4-13-39 Penalties.

§ 4-13-40 Exemptions from application of chapter.

§ 4-13-41 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-13-42 Care of dogs.

§ 4-13-43 Prohibition of breed specific regulation.

§ 4-13-44 Minimum maturity level for sale of dogs.

Chapter 4-13.1 Regulation of Vicious Dogs

§ 4-13.1-1 Declaration of purpose.

§ 4-13.1-2 Definitions.

§ 4-13.1-3 Requirements for registration.

§ 4-13.1-4 Control of vicious dogs.

§ 4-13.1-5 Harboring dogs for dog fighting — Training dogs to attack humans — Selling, breeding, or buying dogs.

§ 4-13.1-6 Repealed.

§ 4-13.1-7 Action for damages — Destruction of offending vicious dog.

§ 4-13.1-8 Exemptions.

§ 4-13.1-9 Penalties for violation — Licensing ordinances and fees.

§ 4-13.1-10 Legal registration drives.

§ 4-13.1-11 Determination of a vicious dog.

§ 4-13.1-12 Uniform summons — Mail-in fines — Prosecution.

§ 4-13.1-13 Liability of parents for damages caused by dog owned by minor.

§ 4-13.1-14 Severability.

§ 4-13.1-15 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-13.1-16 Prohibition of breed specific regulation.

Chapter 4-14 Damage by Animals

§ 4-14-1 Animals at large — Civil liability — Penalty.

§ 4-14-2 Animals breaking into enclosure — Action for damages — Impoundment.

§ 4-14-3 Appraisal of damages for recovery by impoundment.

§ 4-14-4 Notice to owner of impoundment.

§ 4-14-5 Sale of impounded animals.

§ 4-14-6 Disposition of proceeds of sale.

§ 4-14-7 Feeding of impounded animals — Collection of fees.

§ 4-14-8 Impoundment fees.

§ 4-14-9 Action for damages after impounded animals returned to owner.

§ 4-14-10 Replevin to recover impounded animals.

§ 4-14-11 Procedure in replevin.

§ 4-14-12 Replevin bond.

§ 4-14-13 Judgment in replevin.

§ 4-14-14 Disposition of replevied animals returned to defendant.

§ 4-14-15 Judgment for plaintiff in replevin.

§ 4-14-16 Appeal in replevin.

§ 4-14-17 Actions beyond jurisdiction of district court.

§ 4-14-18 Appraisal in action for damages against owner of animals.

§ 4-14-19 Right of action where animals break division fence.

§ 4-14-20 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

Chapter 4-15 Animals at Large

§ 4-15-1 Municipal pounds.

§ 4-15-2 Appointment of field drivers.

§ 4-15-3 Impoundment of animals at large on highways.

§ 4-15-4 Grazing animals deemed at large.

§ 4-15-5 Animals in private ways in Newport.

§ 4-15-6 Care of impounded animals.

§ 4-15-7 Fees paid to poundkeeper.

§ 4-15-8 Disposition of penalties.

§ 4-15-9 Advertising and notice of impoundment.

§ 4-15-10 Delivery of unclaimed animal to city or town treasurer.

§ 4-15-11 Sale of unclaimed animals — Disposition of proceeds.

§ 4-15-12 Conveyances found with impounded animals.

§ 4-15-13 Application of chapter to goats and geese.

§ 4-15-14 Fees and penalties for goats and geese.

§ 4-15-15 Veterinarian’s emergency treatment of animals — Immunity from liability.

§ 4-15-16 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

Chapter 4-16 Estrays

§ 4-16-1 Taking up on private land.

§ 4-16-2 Notice and publication of estrays.

§ 4-16-3 Retention of estrays by taker.

§ 4-16-4 Reclaimer of estrays by owner.

§ 4-16-5 Settlement of disputes as to maintenance charges.

§ 4-16-6 Appraisal — Sale of unclaimed animals.

§ 4-16-7 Penalty for failure to proceed as required.

§ 4-16-8 Use of animal by taker pending reclaim.

§ 4-16-9 Clerk’s records — Fees.

§ 4-16-10 Limited application of chapter.

§ 4-16-11 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

Chapter 4-17 Humane Slaughter of Livestock

§ 4-17-1 Declaration of policy.

§ 4-17-2 Definitions.

§ 4-17-3 Shackling and hoisting.

§ 4-17-4 Method of slaughter.

§ 4-17-5 Administration — Rules and regulations — Manual use of hammer, sledge, or poleax declared inhumane.

§ 4-17-6 Penalty for violations.

§ 4-17-7 Exemption of ritual slaughter.

Chapter 4-18 Importation of Wild Animals

§ 4-18-1 Purpose and scope.

§ 4-18-2 Definitions.

§ 4-18-3 Permit required to import wild animals.

§ 4-18-4 Application for import permits.

§ 4-18-5 Issuance of import permits.

§ 4-18-6 Exempted importations.

§ 4-18-7 Repealed.

§ 4-18-8 Permit fees.

§ 4-18-9 Rules and regulations.

§ 4-18-10 Approved quarantine facilities.

§ 4-18-11 Quarantine.

§ 4-18-12 Tuberculin tests.

§ 4-18-13 Exceptions.

§ 4-18-14 Penalty for violations.

§ 4-18-15 Enforcement of this chapter.

Chapter 4-19 Animal Care

§ 4-19-1 Purpose.

§ 4-19-2 Definitions.

§ 4-19-3 Registration of municipal dog pounds.

§ 4-19-4 Registration of animal shelters, rescues, and brokers.

§ 4-19-4.1 Sales by pet shops.

§ 4-19-4.2 Prohibition on sales in public places.

§ 4-19-5 Pet shop licenses.

§ 4-19-5.1 Breeder licenses.

§ 4-19-5.2 Trainers required to obtain kennel license — Exceptions.

§ 4-19-6 Public auction and kennel licenses.

§ 4-19-7 Dealer licenses.

§ 4-19-8 Denial of certificates of registration or licenses.

§ 4-19-9 Operation as a pet shop, kennel, breeder or public auction without a license.

§ 4-19-10 Dealing in animals without a license.

§ 4-19-11 Mistreatment of animals.

§ 4-19-11.1 Repealed.

§ 4-19-11.2 Destruction of animals — Reporting.

§ 4-19-11.3 Penalty for violations.

§ 4-19-12 Disposition of animals.

§ 4-19-12.1 Public health exemptions.

§ 4-19-13 Rules and regulations.

§ 4-19-14 Chapter inapplicable.

§ 4-19-15 Access of inspectors to property.

§ 4-19-16 Mandatory spaying and neutering of dogs and cats adopted from a licensed releasing agency.

§ 4-19-17 Forfeited fees.

§ 4-19-18 Penalties for violations.

§ 4-19-19 Adoption of municipal ordinances.

§ 4-19-20 Severability.

§ 4-19-21 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-19-22 Animal control officers.

§ 4-19-23 Pets for veterans.

§ 4-19-24 Humane transportation of K-9 partners.

Chapter 4-20 Rodeo Animals and Livestock

§ 4-20-1 Purpose.

§ 4-20-2 Notification requirements.

§ 4-20-3 Presence of veterinarian required.

§ 4-20-4 Rodeo events.

§ 4-20-5 Duties of veterinarian in charge.

§ 4-20-6 Presence required during any event.

§ 4-20-7 Limitations.

§ 4-20-8 Participation.

§ 4-20-9 Penalties for violations.

Chapter 4-21 Exemption from Liability Arising from Equine Activities

§ 4-21-1 Definitions.

§ 4-21-2 General provisions.

§ 4-21-3 Exceptions.

§ 4-21-4 Posting and notification.

Chapter 4-22 Cat Identification Program

§ 4-22-1 Findings and purpose.

§ 4-22-2 Definitions.

§ 4-22-3 Required cat identification.

§ 4-22-4 Removal of cat identification.

§ 4-22-5 Holding at-large or impounded cats.

§ 4-22-6 Enforcement.

§ 4-22-7 Violations.

§ 4-22-8 Authorization to impound cats.

§ 4-22-9 Adoption of municipal ordinance.

§ 4-22-10 Use of the terms owner or guardian.

Chapter 4-23 Animals and Animal Husbandry — Animal Trusts

§ 4-23-1 Trust for care of animals.

Chapter 4-24 Permit Program for Cats

§ 4-24-1 Short title.

§ 4-24-2 Legislative findings.

§ 4-24-3 Spaying and neutering.

§ 4-24-4 Breeding permits.

§ 4-24-5 Sale or adoption of cats.

§ 4-24-6 Revocation of permit.

§ 4-24-7 Farmland exemption.

§ 4-24-8 Abandonment of cats.

§ 4-24-9 Canine surcharge.

§ 4-24-10 Penalty for violation.

§ 4-24-11 Responsibility for enforcement.

§ 4-24-12 Time for compliance.

§ 4-24-13 Low-cost spay/neuter accounts.

Chapter 4-25 Pet Warranties — Dogs

§ 4-25-1 Definitions.

§ 4-25-2 Information at sale provided by seller.

§ 4-25-3 Written disclosure by seller.

§ 4-25-4 Record keeping.

§ 4-25-5 Purchaser remedies.

§ 4-25-6 Purchaser’s obligations.

§ 4-25-7 Limitations on remedies.

§ 4-25-8 Contested cases.

§ 4-25-9 Notice.

§ 4-25-10 Other remedies.

Chapter 4-26 The Rhode Island Livestock Welfare and Care Standards Advisory Council Act of 2012

§ 4-26-1 Short title.

§ 4-26-2 Findings.

§ 4-26-3 Definitions.

§ 4-26-4 Advisory council established.

§ 4-26-5 Duties of the council.

§ 4-26-6 Reporting requirements.

Chapter 4-27 Retirement of Research Dogs and Cats

§ 4-27-1 Short title.

§ 4-27-2 Research dogs and cats — Retirement.

Chapter 4-28 Electronic Payments and Applications

§ 4-28-1 Electronic payment of fees.

§ 4-28-2 Electronic submission of applications and reports.

Full text is available per section.