reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-4. - Inspectors — Qualification.

§ 4-12-4. Inspectors — Qualification.
Any person appointed by the director as an apiary inspector shall be a practical beekeeper who before being appointed shall furnish the director with satisfactory evidence that the appointee possesses a practical knowledge of beekeeping and is familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of honey bee diseases and honey bee pests and/or is a graduate of an agricultural college with qualifying training in apiculture. The state inspector, or appointed deputies and assistants, may not own more than fifty (50) colonies of honey bees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-5. - Inspection/survey of apiaries — Notice — Entry — Abatement of infection — Infestation of undesirable bees.

§ 4-12-5. Inspection/survey of apiaries — Notice — Entry — Abatement of infection — Infestation of undesirable bees.
(a)
The director of environmental management, to determine the presence or absence of infectious, contagious or communicable diseases or honey bee pests, shall annually either:
(1)
Inspect twenty percent (20%) of the bee colonies located within thirty-three percent (33%) of the state’s apiaries to determine the presence or absence of diseases and pests listed in § 4-12-2(14); or
(2)
Conduct a statistical biological survey as published by the federal agriculture research service or the animal and plant health inspection service or the Beltsville beneficial insects laboratory.
Inspections or surveys will be geographically disbursed so as to be representative of the colonies within the state.
(b)
A registered beekeeper may make a written request to the director for a special examination of the beekeeper’s colonies. On receipt of this written request the director or authorized inspector shall inspect the bees owned and managed by that beekeeper for bee diseases or pests. A reasonable fee shall be charged which is not contingent upon issuance of a health certificate.
(c)
Once written notice of inspection has been given to an owner as provided in this section, that owner shall not move any hive or hives or bees or bee equipment from the time notice is received until either seven (7) days thereafter or until the time that the results of the inspection are received.
(d)
The director shall provide for controlling or eliminating infested or diseased honey bees and pests, including eliminating swarms and feral colonies as a means to prevent further dispersal and to protect the public and the economy of this state. The control procedures shall:
(1)
Include abatement, as prescribed by rules adopted under this article.
(2)
Include a public education program to emphasize the importance of a healthy beekeeping industry.
(3)
Be designed and implemented to minimize the negative impact on beekeepers while being effective in controlling Africanized bees and other pests.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-6. - Specialized examination — Inspection fees — Accessibility.

§ 4-12-6. Specialized examination — Inspection fees — Accessibility.
(a)
Any bees kept in anything other than a hive with removable frames (which must be reasonably removable) such as box hives or other receptacles, natural or artificial, shall be deemed impossible to inspect unless the owner of these bees removes the brood or makes the brood accessible to the director or inspectors. To permit inspection of the brood, the director may order the colonies to be transferred to removable frame hives within thirty (30) days. In the event the order is not carried out, these colonies may be destroyed by the director or appointed inspectors.
(b)
On finding infection or infestation or exposure to infection or infestation the director or inspector shall require that the infected, infested, or exposed bees, hives, or equipment be treated, or, after unsuccessful treatment, destroyed.
(c)
The director or appointed inspector shall require removal from the state or the destruction of honey bees or beekeeping equipment which has been brought into this state in violation of this law.
(d)
After inspecting infected hives, beekeeping equipment or handling diseased bees, the inspector or the deputy inspector shall, before leaving the premises or proceeding to any other apiary, thoroughly disinfect any portion of the inspector’s person, clothing and/or any tools used which may have come in contact with infected material, and shall see that any assistant or assistants with him or her have likewise thoroughly disinfected their persons and clothing and any tools used by them.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-7. - Certification of health — Expiration — Quarantine — Eradication.

§ 4-12-7. Certification of health — Expiration — Quarantine — Eradication.
(a)
If, by reason of an owner requested inspection, the director is satisfied that no apparent disease or pest exists in any colony in an apiary, the director shall issue to the owner a certificate of health setting out the date of the inspection, the number of colonies and the results of the inspection. This certificate shall expire ninety (90) days after the inspection.
(b)
If, by reason of any inspection, the director is satisfied of the existence of any disease or pest, the director shall notify the beekeeper owning the apiary, in writing, of the results of the inspection, setting out the number and location of infected colonies and informing the owner of the proper methods of treating or destroying the infected colonies. Any apiary infected with any contagious or infectious bee disease or pest may be declared under quarantine and the owner shall be prohibited from moving this apiary, bees, honey, wax, or used beekeeping equipment. The owner shall eliminate the diseased or pest infested condition within the apiary or equipment or both, to the satisfaction of the director. The quarantine will then be lifted.
(c)
If, by the time of the next inspection, which will be no more than thirty (30) days after the initial inspection, the disease or pest infested condition has not been eliminated, the director shall supervise either the treatment or eradication of the disease or pest infested bees and equipment, or shall otherwise eliminate the diseased or pest infested condition and lift the quarantine on any remaining bees, colonies or equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-8. - Movement permit required — When — Form — Issuance — Verbal authorization.

§ 4-12-8. Movement permit required — When — Form — Issuance — Verbal authorization.
(a)
It is unlawful to move, carry, transport, or ship bees, bees on comb, combs, or used beekeeping equipment into the state unless accompanied by a valid permit issued by the director of environmental management. Applications for a permit to transport bees or used beekeeping equipment into the state shall be submitted on a form approved by the director. This application form shall be accompanied by a certificate of health issued by the authorized official of the state from which the bees are to be moved, certifying that the bees and used beekeeping equipment have been inspected by an authorized official during a period of active brood rearing, within fifteen (15) days prior to the proposed date of movement, and that these bees and used beekeeping equipment were found apparently free from any diseases or pests. Each application shall disclose the number of colonies of bees to be transported and a description of the location or locations where the bees are to be kept. Upon receipt of an application for a permit to move bees or used beekeeping equipment into the state, accompanied by a proper certificate of health, the director shall issue the desired permit. This shall not apply to honey bees from quarantined areas outside the state. These quarantines shall include all federal, state, or Rhode Island exterior quarantines. Importation of honey bees from quarantined areas shall be in accordance with regulations made pursuant to this law.
(b)
Regardless of the provisions in subsection (a) of this section, the director has the authority to issue a permit without inspection to the person or persons owning these bees and equipment providing these bees and beekeeping equipment were certified and moved from the state within fifteen (15) days prior to the desired date of reentry and if the director is satisfied these bees and equipment have not been exposed to diseased bees, pests, or equipment. This section shall not apply to bees or beekeeping equipment returning from quarantined areas.
(c)
A verbal authorization may be allowed by the director if the written permit outlined above has been submitted and received in a timely manner but has not been returned by the time the bees are to be moved.
(d)
Combless packages of bees or queens, or both, may be admitted into Rhode Island without a Rhode Island permit, when accompanied by a valid certificate of inspection from the state of origin stating that they are free of diseases and pests. This shall not apply to honey bees from quarantined areas outside the state. These quarantines shall include all federal, state, or Rhode Island exterior quarantines. Importation of honey bees from quarantined areas shall be in accordance with regulations made pursuant to this law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2; P.L. 2023, ch. 197, § 7, effective June 21, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 198, § 7, effective June 21, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-9. - Quarantine areas outside state — Seizure — Inspection — Eradication.

§ 4-12-9. Quarantine areas outside state — Seizure — Inspection — Eradication.
Whenever the director finds that there exists in any other state, territory, or district or part of any state, territory, or district, any harmful pests or diseases of honey bees, the director shall promulgate, and enforce by appropriate regulations, a quarantine prohibiting the importation of or the transportation into or through Rhode Island or any portion of Rhode Island, from any other state, territory or district, any honey bees, used beekeeping equipment, or any other article or product capable of carrying these pests or diseases. The director shall make rules for the seizure, inspection, disinfection, eradication, destruction, or other disposition of any honey bees, used beekeeping equipment or any other regulated article or product capable of carrying these pests or diseases in violation of this quarantine.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-11. - Revocation of movement permit.

§ 4-12-11. Revocation of movement permit.
Any permit for the movement of bees or used beekeeping equipment into the state, or any health certificate, issued by the director or authorized personnel, may be revoked for cause by the director or authorized personnel. Notice of this revocation shall be in writing and shall be mailed, by certified mail, to the last known address of the holder of the permit or certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-12. - Registration of apiaries.

§ 4-12-12. Registration of apiaries.
(a)
All apiaries in the state must be registered, annually, with the director of environmental management not later than March first. All persons owning honey bees within the state shall annually notify the director of the keeping of bees, their location and number of colonies.
(b)
Any person(s) within the state who sells, gives, barters, or otherwise transfers ownership of bees and/or honey bee colonies, and/or nuclei colonies shall notify the director, in writing, within thirty (30) days of the name and address of the new owner.
(c)
Between 14 and 30 days prior to March first annually the director shall cause notice of the registration requirement to be published at least twice in the state newspaper and in other newspapers and journals of general circulation adequate to provide reasonable notice throughout the state.
(d)
The director shall mail to all registered beekeepers the necessary registration material annually, at least thirty (30) days prior to March first.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-13. - Identification of apiaries — Abandoned apiaries — Written notice — Steps to protect neighboring apiaries.

§ 4-12-13. Identification of apiaries — Abandoned apiaries — Written notice — Steps to protect neighboring apiaries.
(a)
Each colony within an apiary shall be identified with the owner’s name and address. This identification may be affixed to external parts of the colony or placed between the inner and outer covers of each colony.
(b)
When a colony or apiary is deemed to be abandoned written notice shall be given, by certified mail, to the owner or operator, if he or she can be located, that the colony or apiary is an abandoned colony or apiary. The abandoned colony or apiary shall be conspicuously marked as abandoned. If the owner cannot be located, this notice shall be served on the owner of the land on which the colony or apiary is located. If this colony or apiary continues to be abandoned for sixty (60) days, the director shall take whatever steps are necessary to protect the welfare of neighboring apiaries, including the removal or destruction of apiaries deemed as abandoned.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-14. - Reports and records of inspector.

§ 4-12-14. Reports and records of inspector.
The inspector of apiaries shall make annual written reports to the director of the department of environmental management, giving the number of colonies inspected, the number of diseased colonies found, the number of colonies treated, and the number of colonies destroyed. A record shall also be kept of the locations where disease and/or pest infestations exists. This record however shall not be made public, but may be reviewed with the consent of the director of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-15. - Powers and duties of director — Rulemaking.

§ 4-12-15. Powers and duties of director — Rulemaking.
The director shall, from time to time, make regulations carrying out the provisions and requirements of §§ 4-12-1 — 4-12-17, including regulations under which inspectors and other employees shall:
(1)
Inspect apiaries and equipment associated with beekeeping;
(2)
Investigate, control, eradicate, and prevent the dissemination of honey bee diseases and pests; and
(3)
Supervise or cause the treatment, control or destruction of honey bees infected with diseases or pests.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-16. - Beekeeping advisory board.

§ 4-12-16. Beekeeping advisory board.
(a)
A beekeeping advisory board shall be established.
(b)
The board shall consist of six (6) members appointed for terms as indicated:
(1)
The president of the Rhode Island beekeeping association (1 year).
(2)
Two (2) members from the Rhode Island beekeeping association appointed by that organization’s president (3 years).
(3)
One member of the Rhode Island fruit growers association appointed by that organization’s president (3 years).
(4)
One member from the Rhode Island agriculture council appointed by that organization’s president (1 year).
(5)
One at large member who is knowledgeable in beekeeping appointed by the director of the department of environmental management (1 year).
(c)
The president of the Rhode Island agricultural council shall serve as ex-officio member.
(d)
The initial terms of those members appointed for three (3) years shall be staggered so as to ensure that no more than one third (⅓) of these members will be appointed during a given year. Members shall serve without compensation.
(e)
The advisory board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the director of environmental management in all aspects of beekeeping as it relates to the control and elimination of honey bee diseases and pests, inspection of apiaries and establishment of internal and external quarantines as outlined in this chapter.
(f)
The board will advise the director on policies, procedures, and regulations designed to strengthen the beekeeping industry within the state so as to make the state self sufficient in the area of pollination required to support the state’s agricultural industry.
(g)
The advisory board shall meet with the director of the department of environmental management quarterly and at any other times as requested by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-17. - Penalties.

§ 4-12-17. Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision or requirement of §§ 4-12-1 — 4-12-16 or who forges, counterfeits, defaces, destroys, or wrongfully uses or possesses any certificate provided for in §§ 4-12-5 — 4-12-14 shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-1.1. - Towns of Portsmouth, West Warwick, and Middletown and city of Woonsocket — Vicious dog ordinance.

§ 4-13-1.1. Towns of Portsmouth, West Warwick, and Middletown and city of Woonsocket — Vicious dog ordinance.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section or the general laws to the contrary, the town councils of the towns of Portsmouth, West Warwick and Middletown may, by ordinance, provide that the owner or keeper of any dog that assaults any person shall be fined an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) to be used as that city or town council may prescribe. However, this fine shall not be imposed unless the officer responsible for enforcement of that ordinance has conducted an investigation of the assault and has certified that the dog was off the property of its owner or keeper and at large at the time the assault occurred or that the assault resulted from the negligence of the owner or keeper.
(b)
In the city of Woonsocket an owner shall not be declared negligent if an injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time that injury or damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort upon premises occupied by the owner or keeper of the dog, or was teasing, tormenting, provoking, abusing or assaulting the dog or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 480, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 401, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-1.2. - Definitions.

§ 4-13-1.2. Definitions.
(1)
“Adequate shelter” means the provision of and access to shelter that is suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of each dog; provides sufficient space for the dog to maintain comfortable rest, normal posture, and range of movement; and is safe to protect each dog from injury, rain, sleet, snow, hail, direct sunlight, the adverse effects of heat or cold, physical suffering, and impairment of health. Shelters with wire grid or slat floors that permit the dog’s feet to pass through the openings, sag under the dog’s weight, or otherwise do not protect the dog’s feet from injury, are not considered adequate shelter.
(2)
“Board” means the rabies control board.
(3)
“Department” means the department of environmental management or its successor.
(4)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management (or its successor), or his or her designee.
(5)
“Division” means the division of agriculture.
(6)
“Guardian” means a person(s) having the same rights and responsibilities as an owner or keeper, and the terms may be used interchangeably. A guardian shall also mean a person who possesses, has title to or an interest in, harbors or has control, custody, or possession of an animal and who is responsible for an animal’s safety and well-being.
(7)
“Livestock” means domesticated animals that are commonly held in moderate contact with humans which include, but are not limited to, cattle, bison, equines, sheep, goats, llamas, and swine.
(8)
“Owner or keeper” means any person or agency keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or responsibility for control of an animal or any person or agency that permits any dog, cat, ferret, or domestic animal to habitually be fed within that person’s yard or premises. This term shall not apply to veterinary facilities, any licensed boarding kennel, municipal pound, pet shop, or animal shelter.
(9)
“Person” means an individual, firm, joint stock company, partnership, association, private or municipal corporation, trust, estate, state, commission, political subdivision, any interstate body, the federal government or any agency or subdivision of the federal government, other government entity, or other legal entity.
(10)
“Pets” means domesticated animals kept in close contact with humans, which include, but may not be limited to, dogs, cats, ferrets, equines, llamas, goats, sheep, and swine.
(11)
“Quarantine” means the removal, isolation, the close confinement, or related measures of an animal under conditions and for time periods that are set by regulation of the board.
(12)
“Tether” means the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake by a chain, rope, or other tethering device as a means of keeping the dog under control. A dog being walked on a leash is not tethered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 388, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 10; P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 4; P.L. 2012, ch. 301, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 358, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-2. - Tax imposed by cities and towns — Enactment of local laws to prevent damage to livestock.

§ 4-13-2. Tax imposed by cities and towns — Enactment of local laws to prevent damage to livestock.
The city or town council of any city or town may impose a yearly tax upon every person in their city or town for every dog owned or kept by him or her as the council shall judge proper; and also make any laws to prevent damage to sheep and cattle as they may deem necessary.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-3. - Prior ordinances preserved.

§ 4-13-3. Prior ordinances preserved.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as to repeal any ordinance concerning dogs, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, which has been passed by any town or city council.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-4.1. - Notice to new owner of inoculation and licensing requirements.

§ 4-13-4.1. Notice to new owner of inoculation and licensing requirements.
(a)
It is unlawful for any dog pound, animal shelter, kennel, pet store, or any other facility licensed pursuant to chapter 19 of this title to sell, give away, or adopt out any dog without providing the new owner with a form indicating that inoculation against rabies and permanent licensing are required within thirty (30) days.
(b)
The facility shall also require the new owner to sign a register indicating that the new owner has received a form and register shall also contain the name and address of the new owner and shall be permanently maintained by the facility.
(c)
The person obtaining a dog in this manner is required to have this dog inoculated against rabies and obtain a permanent license within thirty (30) days.
(d)
Any person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to the penalty provisions of § 4-13-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 388, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-5. - License information and record.

§ 4-13-5. License information and record.
Every owner or keeper of a dog applying for a license as provided for in § 4-13-4 shall furnish the city or town clerk with the following information: name and address of owner or keeper, and breed, sex, color, and name of dog to be licensed. The city or town clerk shall assign a registered number for each dog licensed and shall enter on the license the registered number, name, and address of the owner or keeper, and the breed, sex, color, and name of the dog licensed, and shall keep a record of all licenses issued.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 10; P.L. 1916, ch. 1384, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-5; P.L. 1970, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-6. - Repealed.

§ 4-13-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 135, § 10; P.L. 1916, ch. 1384, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-6; Repealed by P.L. 1970, ch. 196, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-7. - Notice as to time and place of issuing licenses.

§ 4-13-7. Notice as to time and place of issuing licenses.
The city or town clerks of the several cities and towns shall annually, in the month of March, give notice by publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the city or town, giving notice to the people of the time and place for issuing the licenses provided for in this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 19; G.L. 1932, ch. 136, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-7; P.L. 1970, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-8. - Disposition of license fees.

§ 4-13-8. Disposition of license fees.
Towns and cities may adopt ordinances or regulations concerning the use of money received, but where no ordinances or regulations are adopted, town and city clerks shall issue licenses and receive the money and pay the money into the treasury of the city or town retaining fifty cents (50¢) for his or her own use for each license issued.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-8; P.L. 1962, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-9. - Pups exempt from license.

§ 4-13-9. Pups exempt from license.
No license shall be required for any dog under the age of six (6) months.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 111, § 29; P.L. 1897, ch. 462, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 29; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 30; G.L. 1976, § 4-13-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-10. - Thoroughbred dogs exempt — Kennel licenses.

§ 4-13-10. Thoroughbred dogs exempt — Kennel licenses.
No license fee is imposed on any thoroughbred dogs kept for breeding and stud purposes only; provided, that the dog is owned by a breeder or annual exhibitor of thoroughbred dogs; and provided, further, that the dogs are kept in a breeding kennel licensed in accordance with the provisions of this section, and only allowed at large in charge of the owner or keeper of that kennel. Every owner or keeper of thoroughbred dogs may make application to the city or town clerk or board of police commissioners or chief of police granting the dog licenses in the town or city in which that kennel is proposed to be located for what shall be known as a kennel license. The application states the name or names of the owner and keeper of the kennel, the proposed location of the kennel, and the number of dogs to be kept; and that the dogs are to be kept only for breeding and stud purposes. If that town or city clerk or board of police commissioners or chief of police deems that the kennel and the use and operation of that kennel at that location would not constitute a public nuisance, he, she, or they shall issue a kennel license authorizing the owner or keeper to keep the kennel in the definite location to be specified in the license, upon the payment by the applicant of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the license. Every kennel license is for a period not exceeding one year and expires on the first day of April. All moneys received shall be credited to the dog fund of the town or city. Any person without a kennel license who establishes or keeps a kennel shall be fined not exceeding five dollars ($5.00) for each day the kennel is kept.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 111, § 28; P.L. 1897, ch. 462, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 28; P.L. 1915, ch. 1240, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 28; P.L. 1925, ch. 645, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-10; P.L. 1970, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-11. - Annual census of dogs — List of licenses issued.

§ 4-13-11. Annual census of dogs — List of licenses issued.
The city or town sergeant of each city or town, or any special constables as the city or town council of the city or town may appoint, annually in the month of April, shall ascertain and make a list of the owners or keepers of dogs in the city or town and return the list to the city or town clerk on or before the last day of May. The sergeant or constables shall receive from the city or town treasury the sum of twenty cents (20¢) for each dog listed, except in the city of Providence, where the special constable shall receive from the city treasurer a sum fixed by the city council of the city for each dog listed. The city or town clerk shall within two (2) weeks thereafter furnish to the city or town sergeant or to each special constable appointed and sworn a list of all dogs licensed for the current year and a list of those not licensed, with the names of the owners or keepers, and shall, except in the cities of Newport and Providence, post the list in at least three (3) public places in the city or town or publish the list in any other manner as the city or town council may direct. This section does not apply to the city of Pawtucket insofar as special provision is made for that city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 12; P.L. 1897, ch. 453, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 12; P.L. 1932, ch. 1951, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-12. - Repealed.

§ 4-13-12. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 13; P.L. 1897, ch. 453, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-12; Repealed by P.L. 1985, ch. 270, § 1, effective June 19, 1985.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-13. - Wrongful removal of collar — Theft or destruction of licensed dogs — Poisoning.

§ 4-13-13. Wrongful removal of collar — Theft or destruction of licensed dogs — Poisoning.
Whoever wrongfully removes the collar from the neck of a dog licensed and collared according to the provisions of this chapter, or steals a dog licensed or collared, or kills, maims, entices, carries away, or detains a licensed dog, or distributes or exposes a poisonous substance, with the intent that the poisonous substance shall be eaten by a licensed dog, shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00), nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both, and shall be liable to the dog’s owner for damages in a civil action.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-13; P.L. 1969, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 434, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-14. - Licensing by police authorities.

§ 4-13-14. Licensing by police authorities.
The duties imposed on town and city clerks by this chapter shall be performed by the boards of police commissioners, respectively, in the cities and towns where these boards grant the dog licenses, and in the city of Newport by the chief of police of that city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 26; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 26; P.L. 1915, ch. 1240, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-15.1. - Ordinances concerning unrestricted and vicious dogs prohibited — Leash laws.

§ 4-13-15.1. Ordinances concerning unrestricted and vicious dogs prohibited — Leash laws.
(a)
City or town councils may make any ordinances concerning dogs in their cities or towns as the councils deem expedient, pertaining to the conduct of dogs, which ordinances shall include regulations relating to unrestricted dogs, leash laws, confinement, and destruction of vicious dogs. Those ordinances may provide as follows:
(1)
Every owner or custodian of a dog shall cause that dog not to run unrestricted anywhere in the city or town. This section does not apply to any person who uses a dog under his or her direct supervision while lawfully hunting, while engaged in a supervised formal obedience training class or show or during formally sanctioned field trials.
(2)
It is unlawful for any owner of a dog to place that dog or allow it to be placed in the custody of any other person not physically capable of maintaining effective control of restricting the dog.
(3)
The city or town dog officer is empowered to seize and impound any dog found off the property of its owner or custodian when that dog is unrestricted.
(4)
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars ($250).
(b)
The town council of the town of Westerly is authorized to enact an ordinance permitting the animal control officer in that town to issue citations to the owner of any dog found off the property of its owner or custodian and to prescribe a pecuniary penalty not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each violation.
(c)
The town council of the town of Exeter is authorized to enact an ordinance imposing an initial fee of up to fifteen dollars ($15.00) for the impoundment of a dog plus two dollars ($2.00) per day for each day of impoundment. The town of Exeter may also, in addition to the fines provided for under subsection (a)(4) of this section and under any other provision of law, require proof of liability insurance for a twelve (12) month period in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for third time offenders of its animal control ordinances. Said insurance policy shall cover injuries and damages caused by the dog and shall, for purposes of notice, name the town as an additional insured.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 35, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 60, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 275, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-16. - Action for damages to animals — Double damages on second recovery — Destruction of offending dog.

§ 4-13-16. Action for damages to animals — Double damages on second recovery — Destruction of offending dog.
If any dog kills, wounds, worries, or assists in killing, wounding or worrying, any sheep, lamb, cattle, horse, hog, swine, fowl, or other domestic animal belonging to or in the possession of any person, or assaults, bites, or otherwise injures any person while traveling the highway or out of the enclosure of the owner or keeper of that dog, the owner or keeper of the dog shall be liable to the person aggrieved, for all damage sustained, to be recovered in a civil action, with costs of suit. If afterwards any such damage is done by that dog, the owner or keeper of the dog shall pay to the party aggrieved double the damage, to be recovered in the manner set forth and an order shall be made by the court before whom that second recovery is made, for killing the dog. The order shall be executed by the officer charged with the execution of the order, and it shall not be necessary, in order to sustain this action, to prove that the owner or keeper of the dog knew that the dog was accustomed to causing this damage.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-16.1. - Injury to seeing-eye dogs or persons who are visually impaired— Damages.

§ 4-13-16.1. Injury to seeing-eye dogs or persons who are visually impaired— Damages.
If any dog kills, wounds, or worries, or assists in killing, wounding, or worrying, any seeing-eye dog certified for use as a guide-dog for a person who is blind or visually impaired, belonging to or in the possession of any person who is blind or visually impaired and under harness or engaged in the act of guiding its owner, or if any dog assaults, bites, or otherwise injures any person who is blind or visually impaired while traveling the highway or out of the enclosure of the owner or keeper of that dog, the owner or keeper of the dog shall be liable to the person who is blind or visually impaired aggrieved for double all damages sustained, to be recovered in a civil action, with costs of suit. If afterwards this damage is done by that dog, the owner or keeper of the dog shall pay to the party aggrieved treble damages, to be recovered in the same manner, and an order shall be made by the court before whom the second recovery is made, for killing the dog. The order shall be executed by the officer charged with the execution of the order and it shall not be necessary, in order to sustain this action, to prove that the owner or keeper of this dog knew that the dog was accustomed to causing these damages.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 374, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-17. - Civil liability of person harboring dog for damages.

§ 4-13-17. Civil liability of person harboring dog for damages.
Any person keeping or harboring in his or her house or on his or her lands any dog, or knowingly suffering this to be done by any other person, shall be liable for all damages done by the dog in the same manner as if he or she were the owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-18. - Destruction of dogs in defense of person or livestock.

§ 4-13-18. Destruction of dogs in defense of person or livestock.
Any person may kill any dog that suddenly assaults him or her or any person of his or her family or in his or her company, while the person assaulted is out of the enclosure of the owner or keeper of that dog and any person may kill any dog found out of the enclosure of its owner or keeper, assaulting, wounding, or killing any cattle, sheep, lamb, horse, hog, or fowl, not the property of its owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-18; P.L. 1981, ch. 374, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-19. - Order to confine or kill vicious dog — Subsequent damages.

§ 4-13-19. Order to confine or kill vicious dog — Subsequent damages.
(a)
If any person, or any member of his or her family shall be assaulted by any dog, out of the enclosure of its owner or keeper, or if any person shall have reason to believe that any dog will, out of that enclosure, do any injury to his or her person, family or property, and shall make complaint under oath, to any judge of the district court, that judge shall issue a summons to the owner or keeper of the dog, to appear before the division of the district court having jurisdiction of the case; and if, on examination, the court shall believe that the assault is proved, or that the complaint has reasonable grounds for the belief, it shall adjudge, and shall adjudge that the defendant pay costs of the proceedings and award execution of the proceedings, otherwise the costs shall be paid by the complainant; and the court shall issue written notice to the owner or keeper, and the owner or keeper shall forthwith confine or kill the dog; and if he or she neglects to kill the dog or keep the dog confined, he or she shall forfeit the sum of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100), to be recovered for the use of the city or town, and any person may kill the dog; and if, after that notice, the dog wounds or injures any person, or shall, elsewhere than on its owner’s or keeper’s premises, worries, wounds or kills any neat-cattle, sheep, lamb, geese or fowl, or does any other mischief, the owner or keeper is liable to pay the person injured triple damages with costs; and in all cases of complaints under this section recognizance shall be given for costs, and the fees and costs shall be the same as in other cases of complaints before the district court.
(b)
The district court judge may, in his or her discretion, if the court determines the dog, while out of the enclosure of its owner or keeper, has assaulted a person or killed a domesticated animal and is dangerous, order the detention or destruction of the dog.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-19; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 46; P.L. 1980, ch. 249, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-20. - Appraisal of damages done by dogs.

§ 4-13-20. Appraisal of damages done by dogs.
Each town or city council, excepting the town and city councils in the cities of Newport and Pawtucket and in the towns of Jamestown, Little Compton, New Shoreham, Tiverton, Exeter, and Burrillville shall annually in the month of April appoint one or more suitable persons as appraisers, who shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties, to appraise the damage that may be done to any owner of any sheep, goats or lambs, cattle or horses, hogs or fowls, closely confined game birds, or closely confined rabbits suffering loss by reason of the biting, maiming, or killing by any dog or dogs, and to give a statement in writing to the owner suffering the loss; and the owner, suffering loss, shall, within two (2) days after the loss comes to his or her knowledge, notify the appraiser, appointed and sworn, living nearest to him or her in the city or town where the damage occurred, of the loss; and the appraiser shall, on receipt of twenty-five cents (25¢) for each mile’s travel (or, in the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, twenty cents (20¢) for each mile’s travel) and the sum of one dollar ($1.00) from the owner, appraise the damage and give a statement in writing, with his or her lawful fees taxed thereon, to the owner; and the owner shall, within sixty (60) days, present the statement to the city or town council of the city or town, who shall draw an order on the city or town treasurer for the amount of the appraisal and fees, or for any other amount as the council, in the council’s discretion, after careful examination, shall deem just; and the order, when presented to the city or town treasurer, shall be paid in the same manner as any other order made by the city or town council upon the city or town treasurer.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 15; P.L. 1932, ch. 1942, § 1; P.L. 1932, ch. 1951, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2233, § 1; P.L. 1949, ch. 2323, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-20; P.L. 1962, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 93, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 455, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-21. - Appraisal and payment of damages in certain Newport county towns.

§ 4-13-21. Appraisal and payment of damages in certain Newport county towns.
Each town or city council in the county of Newport, except in the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, shall annually in the month of April appoint one or more suitable persons appraisers, who shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties, to appraise the damage that may be done to any owner of any sheep or lambs, cattle, horses, hogs, goats, or fowls, suffering loss by reason of the biting, maiming, or killing by any dog, and to give a statement in writing to the owner suffering loss; and the owner, suffering loss shall within two (2) days after the loss comes to his or her knowledge, notify the appraiser, appointed and sworn, living nearest to him or her in the city or town where the owner resides, of the loss; and the appraiser shall, on receipt of twenty cents (20¢) for each mile’s travel and the sum of one dollar ($1.00) from the owner, appraise the damage and give a statement in writing, with his or her lawful fees taxed thereon, to the owner; and the owner shall, within sixty (60) days, present to the town or city council of the town or city where the damage is done the appraisal, and the town or city council of the town or city shall draw an order on the town or city treasurer for the amount of the appraisal and fees, or for any other amount as the council, in the council’s discretion, after careful examination, shall deem just. The town or city treasurer shall annually, on the last Monday in March, pay all those orders in full, if the gross amount received by the town or city under the provisions of this chapter, after deducting all sums previously laid out under those provisions, is sufficient; otherwise the town or city treasurer shall divide the amount, after deducting the sums, pro rata among the orders, and the payment shall be in full discharge of the orders.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 16; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2233, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-21; P.L. 1962, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 31, § 1.