reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-12. - Investigative powers of director.

§ 4-8-12. Investigative powers of director.
The director of environmental management has power to investigate upon the complaint of any interested person, or of his or her own motion, the record of any person, firm, or corporation applying for or holding a license, or any transaction involving the purchase of milk for shipment as provided for in this chapter; and for that purpose may examine the ledgers, books of account, memoranda, or other documents of any person, firm, association, or corporation applying for or holding a license and may take testimony under oath; but information relating to the general business of any that person, firm, association, or corporation, disclosed by this investigation and not relating to the immediate purpose shall be deemed of a confidential nature by the director and his or her assistants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-13. - Adjustments and hearings on complaints.

§ 4-8-13. Adjustments and hearings on complaints.
When a complaint is filed with the director of environmental management, he or she shall attempt to secure an explanation or adjustment, and, failing this within ten (10) days, he or she shall cause a copy of the complaint, together with a notice of the time and place for a hearing, to be served personally or by mail upon the applicant or licensee. If served by mail, the complaint and notice shall be directed to the applicant or licensee at his or her place of business, with postage fully prepaid. Service shall be made at least seven (7) days before the hearing. At the time and place appointed for the hearing, the director, or his or her representatives, shall hear the parties to the complaint, shall have power to administer oaths and shall enter in the records of the department of environmental management a decision either dismissing the complaint or specifying the facts which he or she deems established on the hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-14. - Grounds for denial or revocation of license.

§ 4-8-14. Grounds for denial or revocation of license.
The director of environmental management may decline to grant a license or may revoke a license already granted when he or she is satisfied of the existence of the following cases or either of them:
(1)
Where a money judgment has been secured by any milk producer and has been entered against the applicant or licensee and remains unsatisfied of record.
(2)
Where there has been a failure to make prompt settlements to persons from whom the applicant buys milk, with intent to defraud.
(3)
Where there have been combinations to fix prices.
(4)
Where there has been a continual course of dealing of such nature as to satisfy the director of the inability of the applicant or licensee to properly conduct the business or of an intent to deceive or defraud customers.
(5)
Where there has been a continued and persistent failure to keep records, required by the director, in accordance with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 9; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-15. - Judicial review of decisions refusing or revoking licenses.

§ 4-8-15. Judicial review of decisions refusing or revoking licenses.
The action of the director in refusing to grant a license, or in revoking a license granted under this chapter shall be subject to review under the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-16. - Penalties for violations.

§ 4-8-16. Penalties for violations.
Any person who, being a buyer of milk for shipment for the purposes set forth in this chapter, whether that person be licensed or whether his or her business be transacted at a station or otherwise, fails to make prompt payments for milk purchased, with intent to defraud, or makes any false or misleading statement or statements enumerated in this chapter, with intent to deceive, or enters into any combination to fix prices, or not being licensed, conducts the business of buying milk for shipment as provided in this chapter, or being licensed or otherwise, engages in that business without having a station or office, or fails to conform to any requirement of or violates any of the provisions of this chapter, with intent to deceive a seller of milk, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall for the first offense be fined not more than two hundred dollars ($200) or imprisoned not more than thirty (30) days, or both; and shall for the second offense be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days, or both; and shall for the third offense within any one calendar year be imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days, and shall forfeit his or her license and be disqualified from obtaining a license within two (2) years after the forfeiture of license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-17. - Disposition of fines.

§ 4-8-17. Disposition of fines.
All moneys collected in fines or fees under the provisions of this chapter shall be turned over to the general treasurer for the use of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-18. - Employment of help by director — Expenses.

§ 4-8-18. Employment of help by director — Expenses.
The director of environmental management may employ any help and incur any expense necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter within the amount appropriated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-8 - Milk Gathering Stations › Section 4-8-19. - Other laws preserved — Producers exempt.

§ 4-8-19. Other laws preserved — Producers exempt.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to repeal or alter or vary the provisions of chapter 5 of title 21, or to require the license provided for from any person whose principal business is the production of milk, or to require a license from a producer of milk who may deliver milk direct to any store or place, or who retails his or her product direct to the consumer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1656, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 204, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 218, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 4-8-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-1. - Products to be labeled.

§ 4-9-1. Products to be labeled.
All biological products as defined under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act 21 USC 151-159 et seq., used for the testing or immunizing of animals sold, given away, or used within the state, shall bear a label stating the name and address of the person, firm, or institution making it and the date of its expiration, and comply with all other provisions of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 151-159 et seq.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-1; P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 512, art. 2, § 46.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-2. - Authorization for distribution of products sold or given away.

§ 4-9-2. Authorization for distribution of products sold or given away.
(a)
Only products listed in § 4-9-1 and those that are either conditionally or unconditionally licensed by the center for veterinary biologics of the United States department of agriculture are eligible for distribution in the state. All persons other than duly licensed veterinarians intending to sell or give away any of the products listed in § 4-9-1 shall notify, in writing, the director of the department of environmental management of their intent to sell or give away products enumerated in § 4-9-1. No later than ten (10) business days after receipt of the notification, the director of the department of environmental management shall provide a written response either authorizing or denying the sale or give away of the products identified in the notification. No person other than duly licensed veterinarians may sell or give away any of the products listed in § 4-9-1 until they have received written authorization by the director of the department of environmental management that they are allowed to sell or give away said products and that they are limited to selling and giving away said product in the manner in which the director approves, including, but not limited to, restrictions or conditions on the distribution, sale or use of the authorized product(s).
(b)
Failure to obtain written authorization from the director prior to selling or giving away products enumerated in § 4-9-1 shall constitute a violation of this section. Failure to comply with the restrictions or conditions imposed by the director pursuant to subsection 4-9-2(a) shall constitute a violation of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-2; P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-3. - Use and disposition of products — Records and reports.

§ 4-9-3. Use and disposition of products — Records and reports.
(a)
The director of the department of environmental management may, as a condition of authorization provided in subsection 4-9-2(a), require records to be kept by persons that sell or give away any of the products enumerated in § 4-9-1. Such records may include, but not be limited to, the product trade name, the product generic name, the name and address of the company that produced the product, the USDA product code, the strength of the product, the date the product was produced, the date the product was delivered, the date the product was administered, the product serial number or lot number, the name and address of the owner of the animal(s) that the product was administered, sold, or given away to, and the individual identification of any animal(s) that the product was administered to or used on.
(b)
Failure to keep records required by the director under this section shall constitute a violation of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-3; P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-4. - Repealed.

§ 4-9-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-4; Repealed by P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 2, effective July 11, 2013; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 2, effective July 11, 2013.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-5. - Repealed.

§ 4-9-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-5; Repealed by P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 2, effective July 11, 2013; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 2, effective July 11, 2013.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-6. - Repealed.

§ 4-9-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-6; Repealed by P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 2, effective July 11, 2013; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 2, effective July 11, 2013.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-7. - Repealed.

§ 4-9-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-7; Repealed by P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 2, effective July 11, 2013; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 2, effective July 11, 2013.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-8. - Treatment of animals to prevent normal reaction to tests — Sale or removal of reactors.

§ 4-9-8. Treatment of animals to prevent normal reaction to tests — Sale or removal of reactors.
No person shall treat any animal with any material or substance nor in any manner for the purpose of preventing normal reaction on the part of the animal to any diagnostic test. No person shall knowingly sell or offer for sale any animal that has reacted positively to any USDA approved official tuberculosis test or the blood test for brucellosis. No animal that has reacted to any USDA approved official tuberculosis test other test shall be sold or removed from the premises where the test was made without permission, in writing, from the director of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-8; P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-9. - Penalty for violations.

§ 4-9-9. Penalty for violations.
(a)
Any person, firm or corporation willfully and knowingly violating subsections 4-9-2(b) or 4-9-3(b) shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100).
(b)
Any person, firm or corporation willfully and knowingly violating § 4-9-8 is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), or by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or both for the first offense; and not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or both, for each subsequent offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-9; P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-10. - Prosecution of violations.

§ 4-9-10. Prosecution of violations.
It is the duty of the attorney general and his or her assistants to prosecute all persons accused of violating the provisions of this chapter and to defend in all cases of appeals from appraisements.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1358, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-9-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9 - Biological Products › Section 4-9-11. - Federal approval of vaccines required.

§ 4-9-11. Federal approval of vaccines required.
No vaccine or other biological product prepared for the purpose of immunizing animals shall be used in the state unless that product has been approved for that use by the center of veterinary biologics of the U.S. department of agriculture.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 4-9.1-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Animal rescue” means an entity, without a physical brick-and-mortar facility, that is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization.
(2)
“Animal shelter” means a brick-and-mortar facility that is used to house or contain animals and that is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.
(3)
“Nonprofit corporation” means a corporation of which no part of the income or profit is distributable to its members, directors, or officers, except as otherwise expressly permitted by chapter 6 of title 7.
(4)
“Pound” or “Dog pound” means a facility operated by the state, or any political subdivision of the state, for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals, or a facility operated for that purpose under contract with any municipal corporation or incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
(5)
“Veterinarian-client patient relationship” or “VCPR” means a relationship where all of the following conditions have been met:
(i)
The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal or animals and the need for medical treatment, and the client (i.e., animal owner or custodian) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
(ii)
The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal or animals to initiate at least a general or preliminary (e.g., tentative) diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal or animals. “Sufficient knowledge,” as used in this subsection, means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal or animals, and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal or animals are kept.
(iii)
The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in cases of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.
(iv)
The veterinarian maintains records that document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant information.
(6)
“Veterinary clinic” means any premises to which animals are brought or where they are temporarily kept, solely for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any illness or injury.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-2. - Allowable medication donations.

§ 4-9.1-2. Allowable medication donations.
(a)
An owner of an animal may donate a drug that is dispensed for the animal, but will not be used by that animal, to a licensed veterinarian or a facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced if the licensed veterinarian or facility chooses to accept the drug.
(b)
Except as provided in § 4-9.1-3, a licensed veterinarian may reissue a drug accepted pursuant to this section to fill other prescriptions provided that:
(1)
The veterinarian is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Rhode Island;
(2)
The drug is being dispensed to fill a prescription needed to treat an animal under the care of a Rhode Island registered nonprofit shelter, municipal pound, shelter, veterinary clinic, or animal rescue facility;
(3)
Wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the state of Rhode Island will have access to these medications under the direction of a licensed Rhode Island veterinarian;
(4)
The prescription is authorized by the veterinarian within a valid VCPR;
(5)
The licensed veterinarian determines that the drug is suitable for that purpose; and
(6)
The drug was originally dispensed by a licensed veterinarian, a facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced that is licensed by the state of Rhode Island, a licensed pharmacy, an internet pharmacy that is accredited through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program, or its successor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-3. - Drugs not eligible for donation or reissuance.

§ 4-9.1-3. Drugs not eligible for donation or reissuance.
Drugs that will not be eligible for reissuance include:
(1)
Drugs classified as a controlled substance;
(2)
Drugs that require refrigeration unless it is a drug that only requires refrigeration after being opened and the drug is donated in an unopened condition; and
(3)
Drugs where the packaging or bottle does not list the expiration date of the usefulness of the drug.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-4. - Reissuance of medications.

§ 4-9.1-4. Reissuance of medications.
(a)
Any reissued medication shall have the name of the animal and the name of the owner of the animal for which the drug was originally dispensed, the prescription number, and any other identifying marks obliterated from the packaging or bottle before the reissuance of the drug. When medication is reissued to owned pets, the owner will be informed as to the fact that the medication is supplied from a supply of turnover medications.
(b)
A licensed veterinarian may not reissue a drug accepted pursuant to this section to fill other prescriptions dispensed by the licensed veterinarian for an animal if the animal is raised to produce food for human consumption or the animal is ordinarily consumed by animals that are raised to produce food for human consumption.
(c)
For expired medications, the veterinarian may elect to reissue these medications if they are unopened and from a period of one year from their expiration date if the veterinarian determines the medication to continue to maintain efficacy.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-5. - Immunity from civil or criminal liability.

§ 4-9.1-5. Immunity from civil or criminal liability.
(a)
A licensed veterinarian or a facility or agency in which veterinary medicine is practiced with one or more full-time or part-time veterinarians that complies with the provisions of this chapter in the donation, acceptance, distribution, or dispensation of a drug in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto is not subject to any civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board for any loss, injury, or death that results from the donation, acceptance, distribution, or dispensation of the drug.
(b)
A manufacturer of a drug is not subject to civil or criminal liability for any claim or injury arising from the donation, acceptance, distribution, or dispensation of the drug pursuant to this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-6. - Sale of donated medications prohibited.

§ 4-9.1-6. Sale of donated medications prohibited.
A licensed veterinarian, shelter, pound, animal rescue, or humane society shall not sell or resell any drug accepted pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-7. - Handling of donated medications.

§ 4-9.1-7. Handling of donated medications.
(a)
The facility receiving the turnover medication shall:
(1)
Identify and maintain separately from other stock any drug accepted pursuant to this chapter; and
(2)
Make a record of each drug accepted pursuant to this chapter that includes, without limitation:
(i)
The date on which the drug was donated;
(ii)
The name of the person who donated the drug; and
(iii)
The expiration date of the drug.
(b)
Any for-profit or nonprofit facility receiving turnover medications may then donate them to another qualifying nonprofit facility provided that subsequent responsibility for identifying and using the drug becomes the responsibility of the facility receiving the donation.
(c)
All records must be maintained for not less than two (2) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-9.1 - Donation of Medications for Use by Nonprofit, State, and Local Facilities › Section 4-9.1-8. - Rules and regulations.

§ 4-9.1-8. Rules and regulations.
The board of veterinary medicine shall promulgate any rules or regulations deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including, without limitation:
(1)
Requirements for reissuing drugs pursuant to this chapter, including, without limitation, requirements that provide appropriate safeguards for ensuring that the drugs are not compromised or illegally diverted before being reissued;
(2)
Requirements for accepting drugs donated to a licensed veterinarian or facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced pursuant to this chapter; and
(3)
Requirements for maintaining records relating to the acceptance and use of drugs to fill other prescriptions pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-1. - Definitions.

§ 4-10-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Director” means the director of environmental management.
(2)
“Farmers’ cooperative” means a nonprofit association of producers organized with or without capital stock for the purpose of producing and/or selling food commodities.
(3)
“License” means the certificate issued by the director to any person, firm, partnership, or corporation regularly engaged in the business of buying, selling and/or transporting live poultry to be sold or used for food.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-2. - Supervision of movement of poultry.

§ 4-10-2. Supervision of movement of poultry.
It is the duty of the director of environmental management to supervise the movement of live poultry from place to place within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-3. - License to deal in or transport poultry.

§ 4-10-3. License to deal in or transport poultry.
Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation, regularly engaged in the business of buying, selling and/or transporting live poultry to be sold or used for food, shall annually apply to the director for a license to buy, sell, and/or transport live poultry to be so sold or used for food. The application for that license shall be made upon a form prescribed by the director who may, if he or she is satisfied as to the responsibility and character of the applicant, issue a license to the applicant to buy, sell, and/or transport live poultry.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-4. - Limited and unlimited licenses — Bond.

§ 4-10-4. Limited and unlimited licenses — Bond.
Licenses shall be issued in two (2) forms:
(1)
A limited license which permits the licensee to do business on a United States currency basis only.
(2)
An unlimited license issued to any person, firm, or corporation, as referred to in § 4-10-3, who furnishes a bond with sufficient surety in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), executed by a surety company authorized to do business within this state, payable to any poultry producer residing in this state that has sold live poultry to that licensed dealer, conditioned upon the faithful performance of all legal obligations incurred in the buying of live poultry from the poultry producer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 3A; P.L. 1955, ch. 3611, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-5. - Holding of unlimited licensee’s bond.

§ 4-10-5. Holding of unlimited licensee’s bond.
The bond required by § 4-10-4(2) shall be held by the director of environmental management to satisfy any claims held against any licensee because of failure to pay for live poultry purchased by that licensed dealer from the poultry producer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 3A; P.L. 1955, ch. 3611, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-6. - Defaults by licensed dealers.

§ 4-10-6. Defaults by licensed dealers.
(a)
Upon receipt of a written notice of a default in payment, the director of environmental management shall order a hearing to be held before him or her within two (2) weeks. If the claim is approved by the director of environmental management, he or she may order payment to be made directly to the seller of the live poultry by the bonding company. The payment shall be made within two (2) weeks after approval of the claim by the director of environmental management.
(b)
All unpaid claims against licensed dealers must be made within three (3) weeks from date of sale of the poultry.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 3A; P.L. 1955, ch. 3611, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-7. - Unpaid claims exceeding bond.

§ 4-10-7. Unpaid claims exceeding bond.
If unpaid claims against dealers licensed under § 4-10-4(2), made within the period of time prescribed in § 4-10-6(b), are in excess of the surety bond, and are approved by the director of environmental management, the amounts may be prorated among the claimants by the director of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 3A; P.L. 1955, ch. 3611, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-8. - Issuance and revocation of licenses.

§ 4-10-8. Issuance and revocation of licenses.
Each license shall be issued annually and may be revoked by the director for cause. If in the judgment of the director any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation made under this chapter has been violated, the director shall send notice by registered or certified mail to the licensee who shall be given a hearing and if violation is proven his or her license shall be revoked.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3717, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-9. - Repealed.

§ 4-10-9. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-9; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 171, § 1, effective July 9, 2015; P.L. 2015, ch. 198, § 1, effective July 9, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-10. - Display of license.

§ 4-10-10. Display of license.
Every person operating a vehicle used in the business of buying, selling, and/or transporting live poultry shall deposit or display in that vehicle in some easily accessible place a license to engage in that business as provided by § 4-10-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-11. - License fees.

§ 4-10-11. License fees.
The fee for the first license issued to any one individual or corporation in accordance with this chapter shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-11; P.L. 1960, ch. 74, § 6; P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 33, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 171, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 198, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-12. - Bill of sale to accompany poultry in transit.

§ 4-10-12. Bill of sale to accompany poultry in transit.
No person shall transport live poultry in connection with the sale from place to place upon any public highway or road in this state unless he or she has in his or her possession a bill of sale signed by the vendor or agent of that vendor and containing the vendor’s address, the date of transaction, number of poultry, and/or weight, breed and price of poultry and any other information as in the discretion of the director will describe that poultry and establish specifically their proper ownership. The information shall be available at any time to the director or his or her duly authorized agent or agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-13. - Persons and organizations exempt.

§ 4-10-13. Persons and organizations exempt.
This chapter shall not apply to a merchant or a producer of poultry who does not go from place to place buying, selling, and/or transporting live poultry nor shall it apply to a farmers’ cooperative transporting poultry in connection with the operation of a cooperative.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-14. - Administrative powers of director — Rules and regulations.

§ 4-10-14. Administrative powers of director — Rules and regulations.
The director has authority to administer this chapter. He or she shall make and may modify rules and regulations necessary or incidental to the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-15. - Enforcement — Prosecution of violations.

§ 4-10-15. Enforcement — Prosecution of violations.
It is the duty of the director to enforce this chapter and to prosecute any and all persons who, in his or her opinion, are guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter, and the director or his or her appointed agent or agents are not required to enter into recognizance or become liable for costs. It is the duty of the attorney general to conduct the prosecution of all cases brought by the director or his or her appointed agent or agents under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-10 - Handling of Live Poultry › Section 4-10-16. - Penalty for violations.

§ 4-10-16. Penalty for violations.
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) and for any subsequent offense by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1792, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 4-10-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-1. - Birds subject to chapter.

§ 4-11-1. Birds subject to chapter.
Psittacine birds as referred to in this chapter include all birds known as parrots, Amazons, Mexican double heads, African grays, cockatoos, macaws, parakeets, love birds, lories, lorikeets, and all other birds of the psittacine family.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-2. - Importation certificate.

§ 4-11-2. Importation certificate.
No psittacine birds shall be shipped into Rhode Island unless a certificate of veterinary inspection accompanies the shipment of birds. The certificate of veterinary inspection must be compliant with rules and regulations governing the importation of domestic animals (250-RICR-40-05-1).
(b)
[Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 197, § 6 and P.L. 2023, ch. 198, § 6.]
(c)
[Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 197, § 6 and P.L. 2023, ch. 198, § 6.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-2; P.L. 2023, ch. 197, § 6, effective June 21, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 198, § 6, effective June 21, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-3. - Records to be kept by dealers.

§ 4-11-3. Records to be kept by dealers.
(a)
Persons who import, purchase, breed, sell, exchange, barter, give away, or otherwise deal in psittacine birds shall keep records of each bird consisting of the following data:
(1)
Breeder’s name and address;
(2)
Identifying band number;
(3)
Species of bird;
(4)
Date of transfer to new owner; and
(5)
Name and address of new owner.
(b)
These records shall be kept for a minimum period of two (2) years and be subject to inspection by the local health officer or a representative of the state department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-4. - Banding of birds imported, sold, or given.

§ 4-11-4. Banding of birds imported, sold, or given.
All psittacine birds imported, purchased, sold, exchanged, bartered, or given away must be closed metal seamless banded with a band identifying the breeder by whom they were bred. A microchip may be used in lieu of an identifying band.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-4; P.L. 2012, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 95, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-5. - Banding of breeding stock.

§ 4-11-5. Banding of breeding stock.
All psittacine breeding stock must be closed metal seamless banded by January 1, 1960.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-6. - Notice of intent to breed birds.

§ 4-11-6. Notice of intent to breed birds.
Each person intending to breed psittacine birds shall file written notification of that intent with the local health officer and the state department of environmental management before engaging in that procedure annually each January first.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-7. - Treatment of birds exposed to psittacosis.

§ 4-11-7. Treatment of birds exposed to psittacosis.
If laboratory examination confirms infection with the agent that causes psittacosis, the remaining birds shall be humanely euthanized or treated according to the most current, “Compendium Of Measures To Control Chlamydophila Psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) And Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis),” as reviewed by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, (NASPHV). The director, or the director’s designee, shall oversee such treatment which shall be administered at the bird owner’s expense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-7; P.L. 2012, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 95, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-8. - Notice of unusual illness or deaths.

§ 4-11-8. Notice of unusual illness or deaths.
It is the duty of any person having the custody or care of any birds of the psittacine family to notify the local health officer and the state department of environmental management immediately regarding any unusual illness or death among those birds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-9. - Quarantine and destruction of nonpsittacine birds exposed to psittacosis.

§ 4-11-9. Quarantine and destruction of nonpsittacine birds exposed to psittacosis.
Birds not of the psittacine family are to be regarded as dangerous when they have been exposed to psittacosis, and after that exposure shall be quarantined for three (3) weeks and killed and burned by the owner or other person in charge of those birds if they develop or appear to develop symptoms of the disease.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-10. - Indemnity for destroyed birds denied.

§ 4-11-10. Indemnity for destroyed birds denied.
No indemnity will be paid the owner or other person in charge of those birds for destroyed birds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-11. - Enforcement of chapter — Rules and regulations.

§ 4-11-11. Enforcement of chapter — Rules and regulations.
The director of environmental management in cooperation with the local health officers shall carry out the provisions of this chapter. The director of environmental management is authorized to make reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-12. - Penalty for violations.

§ 4-11-12. Penalty for violations.
Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject upon conviction to a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) per bird and/or loss of specimen.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-12; P.L. 1994, ch. 231, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-11 - Psittacine Birds › Section 4-11-13. - Other laws unimpaired.

§ 4-11-13. Other laws unimpaired.
No parts of this chapter shall, or are intended to, nullify any of the provisions of chapters 4 — 6 of this title or chapter 25 of title 5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3557, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 4-11-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-12 - Apiculture › Section 4-12-1. - Title.

§ 4-12-1. Title.
Sections 4-12-1 — 4-12-17 shall be known as the “Rhode Island Apiculture Law”.
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 4-12-2. - Definitions.

§ 4-12-2. Definitions.
As used in §§ 4-12-2 — 4-12-17 unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms mean:
(1)
“Abandoned colony or apiary” means any colony or apiary that is not currently registered and has not been registered within the preceding two (2) years and/or that the inspector is unable to locate the owner and is unable to inspect due to conditions within the colony which render the colony or apiary uninspectable.
(2)
“Apiary” means any place or location where one or more colonies or nuclei of bees are kept.
(3)
“Authorized official” means the state official authorized to inspect apiaries in the state of origin of bees being transported into or through the state.
(4)
“Beekeeper” means any individual, person, firm, association, or corporation owning, possessing, or controlling one or more colonies of bees for the production of honey, beeswax, or byproducts, or for the pollination of crops for either personal or commercial use.
(5)
“Beekeeping equipment” means all hives, hive bodies, supers, frames, combs, bottom boards, covers, excluders, screens, escape boards, feeders, hive tools, slatted racks, or other devices or boxes or other containers that may have been used in the capturing or holding of swarms, and including honey which may be or may have been used in or on any hive, colony, nuclei or used in the rearing or manipulation of bees or their brood.
(6)
“Bees” means any stage of the common honey bee, apis mellifera, or other bees kept for the production of honey, wax, or pollination.
(7)
“Colony” means the bees inhabiting a single hive, nuclei box, or dwelling place.
(8)
“Director” means the director of the Rhode Island department of environmental management.
(9)
“Disease” means American foulbrood and any other infectious, contagious, or communicable disease affecting bees or their brood.
(10)
“Eradicate” means the destruction and/or disinfection of infected and/or infested bees, equipment and/or pests by burning or by treatment approved by the state inspector.
(11)
“Feral colony” means an unowned or unmanaged colony of bees existing naturally.
(12)
“Hive” means any man-made domicile with removable frames for keeping bees.
(13)
“Inspector” means a person appointed by the director to check for diseased conditions or pest infestations in one or more apiaries as authorized by law.
(14)
“Pests” means the honey bee tracheal mite, Acarapis woodi; and any other arthropod pests detrimental to honey bees; and genetic strains of the Africanized sub species, Apis mellifera adansoni and/or Apis mellifera scutellata.
(15)
“Swarms” means a natural division of a colony in the process of becoming a feral colony.
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 4-12-3. - Inspector of apiaries — Deputies and assistants.

§ 4-12-3. Inspector of apiaries — Deputies and assistants.
The director of environmental management shall appoint an inspector of apiaries, who shall assist in the enforcement of this chapter, under the supervision of the director. For those purposes, this inspector may, with the approval of the director, employ any deputies and assistants as may be necessary to enable the inspector to properly discharge duties as outlined.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 495, § 2.