reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-10. - Delivery of unclaimed animal to city or town treasurer.

§ 4-15-10. Delivery of unclaimed animal to city or town treasurer.
If no owner appears within five (5) days from the date of notification, or notice, and pays the penalty and charges, the poundkeeper shall deliver the animal to the city or town treasurer of the city or town, with a statement, in writing, of the time and manner in which the animal was impounded and of the proceedings of that poundkeeper in relation to the animal, together with an account of the charges and expenses due from the owner of the animal to the poundkeeper by virtue of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-11. - Sale of unclaimed animals — Disposition of proceeds.

§ 4-15-11. Sale of unclaimed animals — Disposition of proceeds.
If the city or town treasurer finds the proceedings of the poundkeeper correct, he or she shall sell the animal at public auction, after giving reasonable notice of the sale, and shall, out of the proceeds of the sale, pay the incidental expenses of the sale, the cost of keeping the animal after the animal was delivered to him or her by the poundkeeper for sale, the expenses, charges and penalty, and in the order provided in this chapter, if the proceeds of the sale are not sufficient to pay all the expenses.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-12. - Conveyances found with impounded animals.

§ 4-15-12. Conveyances found with impounded animals.
If any horse or other animal, attached to any vehicle, sledge, or sleigh, is found at large, abandoned, or with no person in charge of the animal, upon any highway or common, or on any land thrown open as a way for public travel and used by the public for travel, any person authorized under this chapter to impound animals going at large, may impound the vehicle, sledge, or sleigh, together with the vehicle, sledge or sleigh attached and the harness and other property, in one of the public pounds of that city or town. The animal shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, and the vehicle, sledge or sleigh, harness and other property, shall be held, surrendered or, after thirty (30) days’ notice by the town or city treasurer, sold, under the same liabilities, powers, provisions, and restrictions prescribed in this chapter relating to horses and other animals impounded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-13. - Application of chapter to goats and geese.

§ 4-15-13. Application of chapter to goats and geese.
If any city or town votes to extend the provisions of this chapter to goats and to geese going at large within its limits, those goats and geese shall subject their owner to the same obligations and duties and shall themselves be disposed of in the same way as is in this chapter provided in relation to the animals named in this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-14. - Fees and penalties for goats and geese.

§ 4-15-14. Fees and penalties for goats and geese.
The fees of the poundkeeper for receiving goats shall be four cents (4¢) each, and for receiving geese two cents (2¢) each, and the penalty shall be twenty cents (20¢) for each goat and five cents (5¢) for each goose.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-15. - Veterinarian’s emergency treatment of animals — Immunity from liability.

§ 4-15-15. Veterinarian’s emergency treatment of animals — Immunity from liability.
(a)
Any licensed veterinarian of this state has the right to treat any animal which has become injured upon any public highway of this state or upon any public or private property of this state which is transported to that veterinarian by any person.
(b)
If in the veterinarian’s opinion the injuries sustained by the animal will result in death, the veterinarian has the right to apply euthanasia to eliminate any unnecessary suffering.
(c)
If, at the conclusion of a seventy-two (72) hour period the legal owner of the animal has not been identified or presented himself or herself to the veterinarian, the veterinarian has the right to return the animal to the animal control warden or dog officer of the community where the animal was injured for disposition. The animal warden or dog officer shall have the right to dispose of the animal in accordance with the ordinances set forth by the community.
(d)
The veterinarian, animal control officer, or dog officer, or any person shall not be held liable for any actions taken by them in the treatment or care of the animal by the owner should the owner become known and the owner shall then be responsible for any fees reasonably incurred in the treatment and care of the animal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 81, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-16. - Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-15-16. Use of the terms owner or guardian.
Wherever the word “owner” shall appear in this chapter it shall also mean and may be interchanged with the word “guardian” as defined in § 4-1-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-1. - Taking up on private land.

§ 4-16-1. Taking up on private land.
If any person finds any horse, neat-beast, sheep, or hog on his or her land doing damage, not knowing to whom the animal belongs, he or she may take the animal as an estray, and within two (2) days report the estray to the city or town clerk of the city or town in which the animal was found.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-2. - Notice and publication of estrays.

§ 4-16-2. Notice and publication of estrays.
The city or town clerk shall give three (3) notices, attested under his or her hand, setting forth the natural and artificial marks of the animal, one of which notices he or she shall cause to be set up in a public place in the city or town and the other two (2) notices in public places in the several adjoining cities or towns in the state, and also cause the notices to be published in one of the newspapers published in the several adjoining cities or towns to that in which the estray was found.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-3. - Retention of estrays by taker.

§ 4-16-3. Retention of estrays by taker.
Every estrayed animal taken up shall be kept by the person who took it up thirty (30) days. If it is a horse, the person shall have a withe kept about the horse’s neck the whole of that time.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-4. - Reclaimer of estrays by owner.

§ 4-16-4. Reclaimer of estrays by owner.
Any person claiming an estrayed animal may, at any time within thirty (30) days, claim the animal by paying the just and reasonable charges of keeping and notifying provided in § 4-16-3 over and above the actual benefit derived from the use of the animal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-5. - Settlement of disputes as to maintenance charges.

§ 4-16-5. Settlement of disputes as to maintenance charges.
In case any difference arises between the parties about the charge of keeping an estrayed animal, the dispute may be referred to the district court having jurisdiction in the city or town, which shall hear and determine the dispute and tax costs as in other cases.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-6. - Appraisal — Sale of unclaimed animals.

§ 4-16-6. Appraisal — Sale of unclaimed animals.
In case no owner appears within thirty (30) days, the person who took up the animal shall go to the city or town clerk, taking with him or her two (2) electors of the neighborhood whom the city or town clerk shall engage to make a faithful and true appraisal of the animal, and the person who took up the animal shall pay the sum the animal shall be appraised at, after all just charges are deducted, into the hands of the city or town clerk. If the person fails to pay the appraised amount, the animal shall be sold at public auction after reasonable notice under the direction of the city or town clerk for the payment of those charges, and in either case the balance shall be retained for the use of the owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-7. - Penalty for failure to proceed as required.

§ 4-16-7. Penalty for failure to proceed as required.
Any person taking up any estrayed animal and not proceeding as required by this chapter shall forfeit twenty-five dollars ($25.00), one half (½) to the use of the city or town where the offense has been committed and one half (½) to the use of him or her who shall sue for it.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-8. - Use of animal by taker pending reclaim.

§ 4-16-8. Use of animal by taker pending reclaim.
The person who shall take up any estrayed animal may lawfully use the animal during the time it may be in his or her possession, after he or she has given notice thereof to the city or town clerk as required in § 4-16-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-9. - Clerk’s records — Fees.

§ 4-16-9. Clerk’s records — Fees.
Every city or town clerk shall keep a fair record of all his or her proceedings under this chapter, and shall pay all moneys by him or her received for any estrays and for which no owner appears, into the city or town treasury immediately on receipt. The city or town clerk shall be paid twenty-five cents (25¢) for every notice posted or printed; and if no owner appears, and the estray is appraised, and he or she gives a certificate, he or she shall have twenty-five cents (25¢) of the fees.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-10. - Limited application of chapter.

§ 4-16-10. Limited application of chapter.
The provisions of this chapter shall not extend to any city or town where other provisions on this subject are made by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 130, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 156, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 186, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 644, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-16 - Estrays › Section 4-16-11. - Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-16-11. Use of the terms owner or guardian.
Wherever the word “owner” shall appear in this chapter it shall also mean and may be interchanged with the word “guardian” as defined in § 4-1-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 4-17-1. Declaration of policy.
It is declared and determined as a matter of legislative finding that the use of humane methods in the slaughter of livestock prevents needless suffering, results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry, brings about improvement of products and economy in slaughtering operations, and produces other benefits for producers, processors, and consumers that tend to expedite the orderly flow of livestock and their products. It is declared to be the policy of the state to require that the slaughter of all livestock and the handling of livestock, in connection with slaughter, be carried out only by humane methods and to provide that methods of slaughter conform generally to those employed in other states where humane slaughter is required by law and to those authorized by the Federal Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, 7 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq., and regulations under that act.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-2. - Definitions.

§ 4-17-2. Definitions.
As used in chapter:
(1)
“Director” means the director of environmental management.
(2)
“Humane method” means either:
(i)
A method through which the animal is rendered insensible to pain by mechanical, electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or
(ii)
A method in accordance with the ritual requirements of the Jewish faith or any other religious faith through which the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument.
(3)
“Livestock” means cattle, cows, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats and any other animal which can or may be used in and for the preparation of meat or meat products.
(4)
“Packer” means any person engaged in the business of slaughtering, or manufacturing or preparing meat or meat products for sale, either by that person or others, or of manufacturing or preparing livestock products for sale by that person or others.
(5)
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association doing business in this state, in whole or in part.
(6)
“Slaughterer” means any person who regularly engages in the commercial slaughtering of livestock.
(7)
“Stockyard” means any place, establishment, or facility commonly known as a stockyard, conducted or operated for compensation or profit as a public market, consisting of pens, or other enclosures, and their appurtenances, for the handling, keeping, and holding of livestock for the purpose of sale or shipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-3. - Shackling and hoisting.

§ 4-17-3. Shackling and hoisting.
No slaughterer, packer, or stockyard operator shall shackle, hoist, or otherwise bring livestock into position for slaughter by any method which causes injury or pain.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-4. - Method of slaughter.

§ 4-17-4. Method of slaughter.
No slaughterer, packer, or stockyard operator shall bleed or slaughter any livestock except by a humane method.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-5. - Administration — Rules and regulations — Manual use of hammer, sledge, or poleax declared inhumane.

§ 4-17-5. Administration — Rules and regulations — Manual use of hammer, sledge, or poleax declared inhumane.
The director shall administer the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall promulgate and may from time to time revise rules and regulations which conform substantially to the rules and regulations promulgated by the secretary of agriculture of the United States pursuant to the Federal Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, 7 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq. The use of a manually operated hammer, sledge or poleax is declared to be an inhumane method of slaughter within the meaning of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-6. - Penalty for violations.

§ 4-17-6. Penalty for violations.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred ($500) dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-17 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock › Section 4-17-7. - Exemption of ritual slaughter.

§ 4-17-7. Exemption of ritual slaughter.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit, abridge, or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in order to protect freedom of religion, ritual slaughter and the handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter are exempted from the terms of this chapter. For the purposes of this section, the term “ritual slaughter” means slaughter in accordance with § 4-17-2(2)(ii).
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 26, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-1. - Purpose and scope.

§ 4-18-1. Purpose and scope.
This chapter is intended to provide safeguards for the protection of persons in the state from disease hazards associated with imported wild animals. This chapter applies to all persons, including, but not limited to, the following: educational and research institutions, zoological gardens, schools, colleges, universities, pet stores, animal care facilities, and laboratories, who import, hold, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal for which an import permit is required under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-2. - Definitions.

§ 4-18-2. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
“Animal” means any wild animal or bird specified under the provisions of § 4-18-3.
(2)
“Approved quarantine facility” means a facility approved by the department for the quarantine confinement of imported animals.
(3)
“Department” means the Rhode Island department of environmental management.
(4)
“Euthanasia” means the human destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that involves instantaneous unconsciousness and immediate death or by a method that involves anesthesia, produced by an agent which causes painless loss of consciousness, and death during that loss of consciousness.
(5)
“Housing facility” means any room, building, or area used to contain a primary enclosure or enclosures during the required period of quarantine.
(6)
“Person” means any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, or company.
(7)
“Primary enclosure” means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal or animals to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, run, cage, or compartment within the quarantine facility.
(8)
“Primate” means a nonhuman member of the highest order of mammals, including prosimians, monkeys, and apes as specified in § 4-18-3.
(9)
“Standards” means the requirements with respect to the quarantine housing, handling, care, treatment, and transportation of imported animals.
(10)
“Veterinarian” means a person authorized to practice veterinary medicine in Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-3. - Permit required to import wild animals.

§ 4-18-3. Permit required to import wild animals.
(a)
No person shall import into, receive, or possess in this state without first obtaining a permit from the department, animals of the following orders, families, and genera: primates, carnivores, amphibia, reptilia, canidae, and insecta. The director may by regulation designate additional orders, families, genera, or species requiring a permit to import, receive or possess; or the director may by regulation waive the permit requirement for specific species, orders, families and genera.
(b)
Any animal care facility accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association (AZA) shall be exempt from this provision, provided, however, the facility provides the state veterinarian with a quarterly summary of any and all animal acquisitions and dispositions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 12, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 232, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-4. - Application for import permits.

§ 4-18-4. Application for import permits.
Import permits for animals listed under § 4-18-3 shall be issued only upon written application from the person desiring to import them. The application shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
The number and true scientific name of each species (Reference: Walker, E. P., and others. Mammals of the World. Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Press, 1964. Volumes I and II and subsequent editions).
(2)
The carrier and probable point of first arrival in this state of each shipment.
(3)
The purpose for which they are to be imported (exhibition, research, sale to the public, etc.).
(4)
The name and address of the consignee.
(5)
The name and address of the consignor.
(6)
The place or premise where the animals shall be held in quarantine pending the completion of any tests, veterinary examinations, and observation period as may be specified by the department in issuance of the import permit. Adequate quarantine facilities must be available and approved by the department before issuance of the import permit can be made.
(7)
The name and address of the veterinarian who conducts the tests and examinations specified by the department.
(8)
For personal pets only, the date of acquisition and name and address of supplier.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-5. - Issuance of import permits.

§ 4-18-5. Issuance of import permits.
Issuance of import permits for animals listed under § 4-18-3 may be made by the department upon:
(1)
Submission of written application providing the information enumerated under § 4-18-4 not less than seven (7) days preceding the probable date of shipment;
(2)
Completion of an inspection indicating that the quarantine facility or premises designated in the application are adequate;
(3)
Payment of the necessary permit fees required under § 4-18-8;
(4)
Determination by the department that the public health and safety is not endangered; and
(5)
Approval of the probable point of first arrival into this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-7. - Repealed.

§ 4-18-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1979, ch. 58, § 2. For general quarantine provisions, see § 4-18-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-8. - Permit fees.

§ 4-18-8. Permit fees.
(a)
Each application for an import permit shall be accompanied by payment of an import permit fee to the department. Except as provided in § 4-18-6 (a) and (b), the permit fee charged shall be at the rate of five dollars ($5.00) per animal.
(b)
If the actual number of animals received in the shipment exceeds the number enumerated in the application, payment of an additional fee for the unpaid animal(s) shall be due at the rate of five dollars ($5.00) per animal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-9. - Rules and regulations.

§ 4-18-9. Rules and regulations.
The director may make reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter concerning the following:
(1)
Quarantine facilities and operating standards;
(2)
Primary enclosures;
(3)
Animal health and husbandry standards;
(4)
Quarantine records;
(5)
Quarantine reporting;
(6)
The establishment of certain classes, orders, families, genera and species of animals which may be imported into, received, or possessed in this state without permit; and
(7)
The establishment of certain classes, orders, families, genera and species of animals other than those specified in § 4-18-3 which may be imported into, received or possessed in this state subject to obtaining a permit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-10. - Approved quarantine facilities.

§ 4-18-10. Approved quarantine facilities.
Quarantine facilities used to house imported animals are subject to inspection and approval by representatives of the department for any periods of time that the department deems indicated. Those facilities may be used for housing imported animals only as long as they are maintained and operated in conformance with standards prescribed by regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-11. - Quarantine.

§ 4-18-11. Quarantine.
(a) Quarantine period and conditions for release.
All imported animals must be maintained for any period of quarantine required by the department and under any conditions as prescribed in this section:
(1) Primates.
The normal quarantine period required for primates is that which provides for a physical examination, administration of a tuberculin test by a veterinarian upon entry, and a repeat physical examination and tuberculin test thirty (30) days later. Primates may be released from quarantine by the department upon completion of the second tuberculin test provided that in the judgment of the attending veterinarian:
(i)
Both tuberculin tests are negative.
(ii)
The animals exhibit no visible oral ulcers at the end of quarantine period.
(iii)
The animals show no clinical evidence of dysentery or diarrhea, emesis, emaciation, contagious skin lesions, central nervous system disturbances, jaundice, or abnormal respiratory signs at the end of quarantine period.
(iv)
There is no evidence of a zoonotic disease traced back to the quarantined animals.
(v)
In the opinion of the attending veterinarian the animals are healthy. A summary report by the attending veterinarian, in writing over his or her signature, shall be made to the department incorporating (1) the results of all tests, physical examinations, etc., performed and (2) his or her opinion that the animals are healthy.
(2) Carnivores.
Carnivores shall be confined in a place and manner approved by the department for a ninety (90) day period. A primary enclosure as defined under § 4-18-2 or an equivalent approved by the department is acceptable for confinement. If at the end of quarantine, the animals are examined and found healthy by a veterinarian, they may be released by the department upon receipt of this certification in writing by the attending veterinarian without further restriction.
(b) Animals refused release.
Imported animals refused release from quarantine shall be handled in any manner as approved and specified by the department.
(c) Variations from quarantine procedures.
Where the quarantine procedures specified are not compatible with the objective of a specific research project, the department may authorize variations from the requirements specified, provided that no public health hazard results from the variations allowed.
(d) Sales to institutions, zoos, etc.
Any person importing animals for purposes of sale to any educational and research institution, zoological garden, laboratory, college, or university may satisfy the requirements of this chapter by contract with that institution. The quarantine shall meet all of the requirements with regard to period, observation, reporting and other conditions of quarantine.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-12. - Tuberculin tests.

§ 4-18-12. Tuberculin tests.
The method of tuberculin testing used is subject to approval by the department. Normal variations in site of administration and type and dilution of tuberculin used for intradermal injection may be accepted by the department. The use of such testing methods as the patch and multiple puncture tests will not be accepted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-13. - Exceptions.

§ 4-18-13. Exceptions.
The department upon application may grant variances from the requirements of these regulations as it determines are authorized by law and will not result in hazard to the public health. Those applications, and variances made, shall be in writing and any variances granted under this section shall set forth conditions designed to protect the public health, and shall be granted only for a specified period.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 232, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-14. - Penalty for violations.

§ 4-18-14. Penalty for violations.
Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100), and the loss of any specimen referred to in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-18 - Importation of Wild Animals › Section 4-18-15. - Enforcement of this chapter.

§ 4-18-15. Enforcement of this chapter.
The director of environmental management or his or her designee shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-1. - Purpose.

§ 4-19-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is:
(1)
To protect the owners of dogs and cats from the sale or use of stolen pets;
(2)
To ensure that all warm-blooded, vertebrate animals, in the care of facilities licensed or registered under this chapter, are provided humane care and treatment by regulating the transportation, sale, purchase, housing, care, handling, and treatment of these animals by persons or organizations engaged in transporting, selling, handling, housing, and care of these animals;
(3)
To ensure that animals confined in pet shops, kennels, animal shelters, auction markets, breeding facilities, training facilities with the exception of training facilities maintained by government agencies and training facilities operated by volunteers working for a not-for-profit or exempt nonprofit organization pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and pounds are provided humane care and treatment;
(4)
To release for sale, trade, or adoption only those animals that appear to be free of infection, communicable disease, or abnormalities, unless veterinary care subsequent to release is assured;
(5)
To ensure the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats that are adopted from a releasing agency;
(6)
To increase transparency concerning where pet shops source dogs and cats; and
(7)
To ensure pet shops can also source puppies and kittens from rescues and shelters to help provide homes for puppies and kittens in need.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 24, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 490, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 475, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 252, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-3. - Registration of municipal dog pounds.

§ 4-19-3. Registration of municipal dog pounds.
No municipality shall operate a dog pound unless a certificate of registration for that dog pound has been granted by the director. Application for that certificate shall be made in the manner provided by the director. No fee is required for the application or certificate. Certificates of registration are valid for a period of one year or until revoked and may be renewed annually on the first day of January for like periods upon application in the manner provided.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 231, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-4. - Registration of animal shelters, rescues, and brokers.

§ 4-19-4. Registration of animal shelters, rescues, and brokers.
No person shall operate an animal shelter, rescue, or as a broker unless a certificate of registration for that animal shelter, rescue, or broker has been granted by the director. Application for that certificate shall be made in the manner provided by the director. No fee is required for the application or certificate. Certificates of registration are valid for a period of one year, or until revoked, and may be renewed annually on the first day of January for like periods upon application in the manner provided.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 231, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 490, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-4.1. - Sales by pet shops.

§ 4-19-4.1. Sales by pet shops.
(a)
A pet shop shall send the following records to the department of environmental management on or before May 1 and November 1 of every year, documenting the following for each dog or cat offered for sale during the previous six (6) months:
(1)
A health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian that indicates that the dog or cat was examined and in good health seven (7) days after the dog or cat was acquired by the pet shop;
(2)
Original source information including:
(i)
The name, business name, if applicable, street address, city, and state of the breeder;
(ii)
Any applicable federal and state license number for the breeder;
(iii)
Any federal and state inspection reports the breeder received in the previous six (6) months, without redactions, unless the reports are unavailable because the breeder had not been inspected by federal or state agencies in the previous six (6) months;
(iv)
The total number of dogs and cats on the premises of the breeder at the time the dog or cat offered for sale by the pet shop left the breeder’s premises;
(3)
Broker or dealer information, if applicable, including:
(i)
The name, business name, if applicable, street address, city, and state of the broker or dealer who obtained the dog or cat from the breeder and resold the dog or cat to the pet shop;
(ii)
Any applicable federal and state license number for the broker or dealer who sold the dog or cat to the pet shop;
(iii)
Any federal and state inspection reports the broker or dealer received in the previous six (6) months, without redactions, unless such reports are unavailable because the broker or dealer has not been inspected by federal or state agencies in the previous six (6) months.
(b)
A pet shop shall post on the enclosure of each dog and cat offered for sale:
(1)
The breed, age, and date of birth of the dog or cat;
(2)
The information required under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply to any dog or cat obtained from an animal rescue, shelter, or dog pound.
(1)
For those dogs or cats obtained from an animal rescue, shelter, or dog pound, a pet shop must post on each enclosure the name and address of the animal rescue, animal shelter, or dog pound, and the organization’s federal tax identification number, if applicable.
(d)
A pet shop owner or operator who violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first offense, by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300) for a second offense, and a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for a third or subsequent offense. Each failure to report or post in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-4.2. - Prohibition on sales in public places.

§ 4-19-4.2. Prohibition on sales in public places.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, exchange, trade, barter, lease, or display for a commercial purpose any dog or cat on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, other recreation area, flea market or other outdoor market, or commercial or retail parking lot regardless of whether such access is authorized.
(b)
This section shall not apply to the following:
(1)
The display or adoption of dogs or cats by an animal shelter, pound, or rescue as defined in this chapter; or
(2)
The display of dogs or cats as part of a state or county fair exhibition, 4-H program, or similar exhibitions or educational programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-5. - Pet shop licenses.

§ 4-19-5. Pet shop licenses.
No person shall operate a pet shop, as defined in this chapter, unless a license to operate that establishment shall have been granted by the director. Application for that license shall be made in the manner provided by the director. The license period is the state’s fiscal year and the license fee is one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each license period or part thereof beginning with the first day of the fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 231, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 33, § 4; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-5.1. - Breeder licenses.

§ 4-19-5.1. Breeder licenses.
No person shall act as a breeder, as defined in § 4-19-2, unless in possession of a valid license to operate as a breeder granted by the director. Application for that license shall be made in the manner provided by the director. The license period is the state’s fiscal year and the license fee is one hundred dollars ($100) for each license period or part thereof beginning with the first day of the fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 447, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 475, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-5.2. - Trainers required to obtain kennel license — Exceptions.

§ 4-19-5.2. Trainers required to obtain kennel license — Exceptions.
No person shall act as a trainer, as defined in § 4-19-2, unless in possession of a valid kennel license as set forth in § 4-19-6. Provided, however, persons engaged in dog training activities for dog training programs operated by government agencies, or operated by a not-for-profit or exempt nonprofit organization pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, shall not be required by this section to obtain a kennel license.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 182, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 252, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-6. - Public auction and kennel licenses.

§ 4-19-6. Public auction and kennel licenses.
(a)
No person shall operate a public auction or a kennel, as defined in this chapter, unless a license to operate that establishment has been granted by the director. Application for the license shall be made in the manner provided by the director. The license period is the fiscal year and the license fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) for each license period or part thereof beginning with the first day of the fiscal year.
(b)
This section shall not be interpreted to interfere in any manner with the issuing of a public auction or kennel license by any city or town, nor any fee charged by any city or town. No license shall be issued by the director except for those premises as shall be designated for the licensure by the respective city or town council.
(c)
Pursuant to § 4-19-2(19), any person who provides the sheltering, feeding, and watering in return for a fee in a residential setting of no more than four (4) animals not owned by the proprietor is:
(1)
Exempt from licensure as a kennel under this chapter; and
(2)
Subject to inspection by an authorized agent of the department of environmental management (hereinafter “the department”) upon the department receiving a written complaint against the person. Only complaints related to animal care, animal health, and animal welfare may initiate an inspection. Any inspection that is conducted by the department shall be conducted during the hours of eight o’clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) through five o’clock p.m. (5:00 p.m.), unless the person who is the subject of the complaint agrees to an inspection at another time; and
(3)
Required to be compliant with the department’s rules and regulations governing animal care facilities, RICR 250-RICR-40-05-4, §§ 4.7 and 4.8.A.1 through 8 (excluding the sanitation log requirements of § 4.8.A.3). Any inspection conducted by an authorized agent of the department shall be limited to the aforementioned sections and shall be limited to areas to which the animals being cared for have access. Any violations of these sections are punishable in accordance with § 4.12 of the rules and regulations governing animal care facilities and any appeal for any enforcement action shall be made in accordance with § 4.11.B of those rules and regulations; and
(4)
Any person who is subject to inspection pursuant to the conditions set forth in subsection (c)(2), but who denies access to authorized inspectors from the department, is subject to a civil fine of three hundred fifty dollars ($350). Each day that access is denied shall constitute a separate punishable offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 231, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 33, § 4; P.L. 2018, ch. 81, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 91, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-7. - Dealer licenses.

§ 4-19-7. Dealer licenses.
No person shall operate as a dealer, as defined in this chapter, after the first day of the fiscal year unless a license to deal has been granted by the director to that person. Application for the license shall be made in the manner provided by the director. The license period is the fiscal year and the license fee is one hundred dollars ($100) for each license period or part thereof beginning with the first day of the fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-8. - Denial of certificates of registration or licenses.

§ 4-19-8. Denial of certificates of registration or licenses.
(a)
A certificate of registration may be denied to any pound or animal shelter, rescue, or broker, and a license may be denied to any public auction, kennel, breeder, pet shop, trainer, or dealer or, if granted, the certificate or license may be revoked by the director if, after a hearing, it is determined that the housing facilities and/or primary enclosures are inadequate for the purposes of this chapter or if the feeding, watering, sanitizing, and housing practices at the pound, animal shelter, public auction, pet shop, or kennel are not consistent with the intent of this chapter or with the intent of the rules and regulations that may be promulgated pursuant to the authority of this chapter.
(b)
Upon revocation of a certificate of registration, all animals in the possession of the pound, rescue, broker, or animal shelter must be transferred to another licensed releasing agency for disposition.
(c)
Upon the revocation of a license, all animals in the possession of the public auction, kennel, pet shop, breeder, trainer, or dealer must be disposed of by the former licensee in a manner approved by the department. Such disposition must not be for profit and must occur in a timeframe that is determined by the department. Inspectors from the department or from the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals must have access to the facility where the animals being housed by the former licensee are being held until disposition so that the welfare of said animals can be assured.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 490, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 475, §; P.L. 2019, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 252, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care › Section 4-19-9. - Operation as a pet shop, kennel, breeder or public auction without a license.

§ 4-19-9. Operation as a pet shop, kennel, breeder or public auction without a license.
Any person who operates as a pet shop, kennel, breeder, or public auction without a currently valid license shall, upon conviction, plea of guilty, or plea of nolo contendere, be punished pursuant to § 4-19-11.3. Each day of operation shall constitute a separate offense. Advertisement of services consistent with the operation of a pet shop, kennel, breeder, or public auction shall be sufficient evidence of operation of a pet shop, kennel, breeder, or public auction as applicable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 231, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 490, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 475, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 346, § 16.