reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-13 - Malt Beverage Supplier-Wholesaler Agreements › Section 3-13-9. - Sales territories exclusive.

§ 3-13-9. Sales territories exclusive.
No supplier who, pursuant to an agreement with a wholesaler, has designated a sales territory for which a wholesaler is primarily responsible or in which a wholesaler is required to concentrate its efforts shall enter into an agreement with any other wholesaler for the purpose of establishing an additional wholesaler for any of its brands, including any brand or brands introduced after the effective date of the agreement, in all or part of the same territory.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 415, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-13 - Malt Beverage Supplier-Wholesaler Agreements › Section 3-13-10. - Right of free association.

§ 3-13-10. Right of free association.
No supplier or wholesaler shall restrict or inhibit, directly or indirectly, the right of free association among suppliers or wholesalers for any lawful purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 415, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-13 - Malt Beverage Supplier-Wholesaler Agreements › Section 3-13-11. - Civil actions.

§ 3-13-11. Civil actions.
(a)
If a supplier or wholesaler who is a party to an agreement pursuant to § 3-13-5(6) fails to comply with this chapter or otherwise engages in conduct prohibited under this chapter, the affected party may maintain a civil action in the superior court in the county in which the wholesaler’s principal place of business or residence is located.
(b)
In any action under this section, the court may grant any equitable relief that the court determines is necessary or appropriate considering the purposes of this chapter, to remedy the effects of any failure to comply with this chapter or the effect of conduct prohibited under this chapter.
(c)
The prevailing party in any action under this section is entitled to actual damages as defined in § 3-13-7, plus interest and costs.
(d)
To the extent the parties by agreement specify that disputes arising out of the supplier-wholesaler relationship shall be resolved by arbitration, that procedure shall be the exclusive remedy and may be compelled by either party upon proper application under the law of this state. An affected party may maintain a civil action in the superior court to enforce the provisions of § 3-13-7(c), notwithstanding any pending arbitration proceedings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 415, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-13 - Malt Beverage Supplier-Wholesaler Agreements › Section 3-13-12. - Severability.

§ 3-13-12. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter is held unconstitutional, that decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 415, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-1. - Short title.

§ 3-14-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-2. - Purposes.

§ 3-14-2. Purposes.
(a) Primary legislative purpose.
The primary legislative purpose of this chapter is to prevent intoxication-related injuries, deaths and other damages among Rhode Island’s population.
(b) Secondary purposes.
The secondary legislative purposes are:
(1)
To establish a legal basis for obtaining compensation for those suffering damages as a result of intoxication related incidents in accordance with this chapter;
(2)
To allocate the liability for payment of damages fairly among those responsible for the damages, which will encourage liquor liability insurance availability; and
(3)
To encourage all servers of alcohol to exercise responsible serving practices.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-3. - Definitions.

§ 3-14-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a)
“Adult” means any person twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
(b)
“Intoxicated individual” means an individual who is in a state of intoxication as defined by this chapter.
(c)
“Intoxication” means a substantial impairment of a person’s mental or physical faculties as a result of drug or alcoholic beverage use so as to diminish that person’s ability to think and act in a manner in which an ordinary prudent and cautious person, in full possession of his or her faculties and using reasonable care, would act under like circumstances.
(d)
“Licensee” means the person to whom a license of any kind is issued by the local licensing authority and any person who is required to be licensed to serve or to permit the consumption of liquor.
(e)
“Liquor” means any intoxicating beverage which contains more than three and two tenths percent (3.2%) of alcohol by weight.
(f)
“Minor” means any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years.
(g)
“Person” means any individual, governmental body, corporation, or other legal entity.
(h)
“Service of liquor” means any sale, gift, or other furnishing of liquor.
(i)
“Visibly intoxicated” means a state of intoxication accompanied by a perceptible act or series of acts presenting an apparent sign or signs of intoxication.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-4. - Plaintiffs.

§ 3-14-4. Plaintiffs.
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b), any person who suffers damage, as provided in § 3-14-8, may bring an action under this chapter. This chapter shall not be construed to limit any currently existing common law or statutory right.
(b)
The following persons may not bring an action under this chapter against a defendant for negligently serving liquor to an individual, but may bring an action under this chapter against a defendant for recklessly serving liquor to an individual:
(1)
The intoxicated tortfeasor if he or she was at least twenty-one (21) years old when served by the defendant;
(2)
The estate of the intoxicated tortfeasor if he or she was at least twenty-one (21) years old when served by the defendant; and
(3)
Any person asserting claims arising out of the personal injury or death of the intoxicated tortfeasor if the intoxicated tortfeasor was at least twenty-one (21) years old when served.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-5. - Defendants.

§ 3-14-5. Defendants.
The following persons who commit an act giving rise to liability, as provided in § 3-14-6, may be made defendants to a claim under this chapter:
(1)
An alcoholic beverage retail licensee, and any employee or agent of this licensee; or
(2)
Any person who, at the time of an act giving rise to liability, as provided in § 3-14-6, was required by law to have had an alcoholic beverage retail license under chapter 7 of this title and any employee or agent of that person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-6. - Liability for negligent service of liquor.

§ 3-14-6. Liability for negligent service of liquor.
(a)
A defendant, as described in § 3-14-5, who negligently serves liquor to a minor is liable for damages proximately caused by the minor’s consumption of the liquor.
(b)
A defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who negligently serves liquor to a visibly intoxicated individual is liable for damages proximately caused by the individual’s consumption of the liquor.
(c)
Service of liquor to a minor or to an intoxicated individual is negligent if the defendant knows, or if a reasonable and prudent person in similar circumstances would know that the individual being served is a minor or is visibly intoxicated.
(d)
A defendant is not chargeable with knowledge of an individual’s consumption of liquor or other drugs off the defendant’s premises unless the individual’s appearance and behavior, or other facts known to the defendant, would put a reasonable and prudent person on notice of that consumption.
(e)
Proof of service of alcoholic beverages to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age without request for identification forms a rebuttable presumption of negligence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-7. - Liability for reckless service of liquor.

§ 3-14-7. Liability for reckless service of liquor.
(a)
A defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who recklessly provides liquor to a minor is liable for damages proximately caused by that minor’s consumption of the liquor.
(b)
A defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who recklessly serves liquor to a visibly intoxicated individual is liable for damages proximately caused by that individual’s consumption of the liquor.
(c)(1)
Service of liquor is reckless if a defendant intentionally serves liquor to an individual when the server knows that the individual being served is a minor or is visibly intoxicated, and the server consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving liquor to that individual will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others.
(2)
For the purposes of this chapter, the disregard of the risk, when viewed in light of the nature and purpose of the server’s conduct and the circumstances known to him or her, must involve a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable and prudent person would observe in the same situation.
(d)
Specific serving practices that are admissible as evidence of reckless conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)
Active encouragement of intoxicated individuals to consume substantial amounts of liquor;
(2)
Service of liquor to an individual who is under twenty-one (21) years old when the server has actual or constructive knowledge of the individual’s age; and
(3)
Service of liquor to an individual that is so continuous and excessive that it creates a substantial risk of death by alcohol poisoning.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-8. - Damages.

§ 3-14-8. Damages.
(a)
Damages may be awarded for all injuries recognized under Rhode Island common or statutory law.
(b)
Punitive damages may be awarded in all actions based on reckless conduct, as set forth in § 3-14-7(c). Punitive damages may not be awarded for actions based on negligent conduct, as set forth in § 3-14-6(c).
(c)
Damages may be recovered under chapter 7 of title 10 and § 10-7-8, as in other tort actions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-9. - Common law claims and defenses.

§ 3-14-9. Common law claims and defenses.
Common law claims and defenses applicable to tort actions based on negligence and recklessness in this state shall not be limited by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-10. - Settlement — Release — Contributions — Indemnity.

§ 3-14-10. Settlement — Release — Contributions — Indemnity.
(a)
A plaintiff’s settlement and proper release of either the intoxicated tortfeasor or a defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, will not bar potential claims against any other defendant(s).
(b)
The amount paid to a plaintiff in consideration for the settlement and proper release of any defendant will be offset against all other subsequent judgments received by the plaintiff.
(c)
The liability of the intoxicated tortfeasor and any defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who served alcoholic beverages, shall be joint and several.
(d)
In cases of negligent conduct, the intoxicated tortfeasor and any defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who served alcoholic beverages have a right of contribution and not a right of indemnification.
(e)
In cases of reckless conduct, nonreckless defendants have a right of either indemnification or contribution from any reckless defendants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-11. - Statute of limitations.

§ 3-14-11. Statute of limitations.
Any action under this chapter against a defendant alleging negligent or reckless conduct must be brought within three (3) years after the cause of action accrues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-12. - Evidence of responsible serving practices.

§ 3-14-12. Evidence of responsible serving practices.
(a)
Proof of defendant’s responsible serving practices is admissible as evidence that the server was not negligent or reckless. Responsible serving practices include, but are not limited to:
(1)
Defendant’s and defendant’s employees’ attendance at a server education training course; and
(2)
Defendant’s implementation, at the time of service, of responsible management policies, procedures, and actions.
(b)
Proof or disproof that the defendant was adhering to responsible serving practices is not by itself proof or disproof of negligence or recklessness.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-13. - Privileges.

§ 3-14-13. Privileges.
(a)
No licensee is liable for damages resulting from a good faith refusal to serve liquor to any individual who:
(1)
Fails to show proper identification of age;
(2)
Reasonably appears to be a minor; or
(3)
Is refused service in a good faith effort to prevent him or her from becoming visibly intoxicated.
(b)
No licensee is liable for retaining identification documents presented to the licensee as proof of the individual’s age for the purpose of receiving liquor provided:
(1)
Retention is for a reasonable length of time in a good faith effort to determine whether the individual is of legal age; and
(2)
The licensee informs the individual why he or she is retaining the identification documents.
(c)
This section does not limit a licensee’s right to assert any other defense provided by law.
(d)
A licensee may not be held liable under this chapter for failing to exercise any privilege provided in this section; however, this subsection does not provide immunity from liability under §§ 3-14-6 and 3-14-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-14. - Repealed.

§ 3-14-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 158, § 2, effective June 30, 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 274, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-14 - Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act › Section 3-14-15. - Repealed.

§ 3-14-15. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 14, effective July 1, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-1. - Definitions — Responsibility for agents and employees.

§ 4-1-1. Definitions — Responsibility for agents and employees.
(a)
In this chapter and in §§ 4-4-9, 4-4-10, and 23-19-8:
(1)
“Animal” and “animals” means every living creature except a human being.
(2)
“Licensed graduate veterinarian” or “veterinarian” means a person licensed to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry in this state who is a graduate of an accredited veterinary medical, surgical, and dental school or college of a standard recognized by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association.
(3)
“Owner,” “person,” and “whoever” means corporations as well as individuals.
(4)
“Guardian” shall mean a person(s) having the same rights and responsibilities of an owner, and both terms shall be used interchangeably. A guardian shall also mean a person who possesses, has title to or an interest in, harbors, or has control, custody, or possession of an animal and who is responsible for an animal’s safety and well-being.
(5)
Except for livestock as defined in § 4-26-3(6), “adequate living conditions” shall mean a sanitary environment that is dry and free of accumulated feces and free of debris and garbage that may clutter the environment, pose a danger, or entangle the animal. The environment in which the animal is kept must be consistent with federal regulatory requirements, where applicable, or generally recognized professional standards, where applicable, or otherwise be of sufficient size so as not to inhibit comfortable rest, normal posture, or range of movement, and suitable to maintain the animal in a good state of health. “Adequate living conditions” for livestock as defined in § 4-26-3(6) shall mean best management practices established, no later than July 1, 2014, by the Rhode Island livestock welfare and care standards advisory council.
(6)
Except for livestock as defined in § 4-26-3, “hazardous accumulation of animals” means the accumulation of a large number of animals, to a point where the owner, possessor, or person having the charge of custody of the aforementioned animals fails to or is unable to provide “adequate living conditions” as defined herein, resulting in harm or danger to the health and wellbeing of the animals.
(b)
The knowledge and acts of agents of and persons employed by corporations in regard to animals transported, owned or employed by or in the custody of that corporation are held to be the acts and knowledge of that corporation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 7; P.L. 1945, ch. 1651, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-1; P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 232, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 439, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 444, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-2. - Overwork, mistreatment, or failure to feed animals — Shelter defined.

§ 4-1-2. Overwork, mistreatment, or failure to feed animals — Shelter defined.
(a)
Whoever overdrives, overloads, drives when overloaded, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, cruelly beats, mutilates, or cruelly kills, or causes or procures to be so overdriven, overloaded, driven when overloaded, overworked, tortured, tormented, deprived of necessary sustenance, cruelly beaten, or mutilated, any animal, and whoever, having the charge or custody of any animal, either as owner or otherwise, inflicts cruelty upon that animal, or willfully fails to provide that animal with proper food, drink, shelter, or protection from the weather, shall, for each offense, be imprisoned not exceeding eleven (11) months, or be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or both. If the offense described in this section results in the death of the animal, the person shall be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-5.
(b)
Any person who has been previously convicted of an offense provided for in chapter 1 of title 4 shall, upon conviction of a second or subsequent violation within a ten-year (10) period, be imprisoned for a period not exceeding six (6) years, or fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both. In addition, every person convicted under chapter 1 of title 4 of a second or subsequent offense shall be required to serve one hundred (100) hours of community restitution. The community restitution penalty shall not be suspended or deferred and is mandatory.
(c)
Every owner, possessor, or person having charge of any animal may, upon conviction of a violation of this section, be ordered to forfeit all rights to ownership of the animal to the animal-control officer of the city or town in which the offense occurred or to a humane society that owns and operates the shelter that provided the subject animal shelter subsequent to any confiscation of that animal pursuant to this section.
(d)
Shelter means a structure used to house any animal that will provide sufficient protection from inclement elements for the health and well being of the animal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1898, ch. 548, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-2; P.L. 1981, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 351, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 455, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 458, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-3. - Unnecessary cruelty.

§ 4-1-3. Unnecessary cruelty.
(a)
Every owner, possessor, or person having the charge or custody of any animal, who cruelly drives or works that animal when unfit for labor, or cruelly abandons that animal, or who carries that animal or who fails to provide that animal with adequate living conditions as defined in § 4-1-1, or who engages in the hazardous accumulation of animals as defined in § 4-1-1, or causes that animal, to be carried, in or upon any vehicle or otherwise, in a cruel or inhuman manner; or willfully, intentionally, maliciously, recklessly, and/or knowingly authorizes or permits that animal to be subjected to unnecessary torture, suffering, or cruelty of any kind; or who places, or causes to have placed, on any animal any substance that may produce irritation or pain or that is declared a hazardous substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the state department of health, shall be punished for each offense in the manner provided in § 4-1-2. If the offense described in this section results in the death of the animal, the person shall be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-5. If any owner, possessor, or person having the charge or custody of any animal is found guilty of or pleads nolo contendere to a violation of this section and said violation involves the hazardous accumulation of animals, the court shall, in imposing a penalty under this section, take into account whether the defendant’s conduct could be considered to be the result of a mental health disorder as defined in § 27-38.2-2.
(b)
The substances proscribed by subsection (a) do not include any drug having curative and therapeutic effect for disease in animals and that is prepared and intended for veterinary use.
(c)
University, college, or hospital research facilities licensed and/or inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Public Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (a) provided that they are in good standing with the federal agency responsible for licensing or assurance of the facility.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-3; P.L. 1973, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 232, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 455, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 458, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 439, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 444, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-3.1. - Prohibited practices in destruction of animals.

§ 4-1-3.1. Prohibited practices in destruction of animals.
It is unlawful for any veterinarian or owner, as defined in § 4-1-1, or any agent of a veterinarian or owner, or any other person to destroy any animal by the use of a high altitude decompression chamber. When carbon monoxide is used as a euthanizing agent, only one animal is placed in the chamber. Violation of this section is punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-3.2. - Animal confinement in motor vehicles prohibited.

§ 4-1-3.2. Animal confinement in motor vehicles prohibited.
(a)
No owner or person shall confine any animal in a motor vehicle that is done in a manner that places the animal in a life-threatening or extreme health-threatening situation by exposing it to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold. In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, an animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or fire fighter who has probable cause to believe that this section is being violated shall have the authority to enter such motor vehicle by any reasonable means necessary under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other responsible person.
(b)
A law enforcement or animal control officer may take all steps that are reasonably necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal’s health, safety, or well-being appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall prevent a law enforcement officer or animal control officer from removing an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal’s safety appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal. A law enforcement officer or animal control officer may enter the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of rescue or release of the animal and may not search the vehicle unless otherwise permitted by law.
(d)
A law enforcement or animal control officer who removes an animal in accordance with this section shall, in a secure and conspicuous location on or within the motor vehicle, leave written notice bearing the officer’s or agent’s name and office and the address of the location where the animal may be retrieved. The owner may retrieve the animal only after payment of all charges that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment, and impoundment of the animal.
(e)
A law enforcement or animal control officer who removes an animal from a motor vehicle pursuant to this section is immune from criminal or civil liability that might otherwise result from the removal.
(f)
Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or by a fine of no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 262, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 320, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-4. - Abandonment of infirm animals.

§ 4-1-4. Abandonment of infirm animals.
If any maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled animal is abandoned to die, by any owner or person having charge of that animal, that person shall, for each offense, be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-2.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-5. - Malicious injury to or killing of animals.

§ 4-1-5. Malicious injury to or killing of animals.
(a)
Every person who cuts out the tongue or otherwise dismembers any animal maliciously; or maliciously kills or wounds any animal; or maliciously administers poison to or exposes any poisonous substance with intent that the poison shall be taken or swallowed by any animal; or who maliciously exposes poisoned meat with intent that the poison meat is taken or swallowed by any wild animal, shall be imprisoned not exceeding five (5) years or be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), and shall, in the case of any animal of another, be liable to the owner of this animal for triple damages, to be recovered by civil action. In addition, any person convicted under this section is required to serve fifty (50) hours of community restitution. The community restitution penalty shall not be suspended or deferred and is mandatory.
(b)
This section shall not apply to licensed hunters during hunting season or a licensed business killing animals for human consumption.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 279, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 345, § 22; P.L. 1913, ch. 919, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 397, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 608, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-5; P.L. 1979, ch. 238, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 656, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 456, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 457, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-6. - Shearing of horses in winter.

§ 4-1-6. Shearing of horses in winter.
No person shall cut, clip, or shear the hair or coating of any horse between October 15th and March 1st unless the necessity for the cutting, clipping, or shearing has been certified in writing and filed with the Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals by a licensed graduate veterinarian. Any person violating this section shall, for each offense, be imprisoned not exceeding ten (10) days or be fined not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00), or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 22; P.L. 1945, ch. 1651, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-6.1. - Operating upon tails of bovines prohibited.

§ 4-1-6.1. Operating upon tails of bovines prohibited.
(a)
Any person who intentionally cuts or alters the bone, tissues, muscles or tendons of the tail of any bovine or otherwise operates upon it in any manner for the purpose or with the effect of docking, setting, or otherwise altering the natural carriage of the tail, or who knowingly permits the same to be done upon the premises of which he or she is the owner, lessee, proprietor or user, or who assists in or is voluntarily present at such cutting or alteration, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both. If any bovine is found with the bone, tissues, muscles or tendons of its tail cut or altered as aforesaid upon the premises or in the charge and custody of any person, and the wound resulting therefrom is unhealed, such fact may be evidence of a violation of this section by the owner or user of such premises, or the person having such charge or custody.
(b)
The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to tail docking performed by a veterinarian for veterinary purposes, provided that the procedure is performed under the following conditions:
(1)
The animal has been adequately anesthetized to minimize the animal’s pain and suffering during the treatment or operation.
(2)
The procedure is done in a way that minimizes the long-term pain and suffering resulting from the procedure.
(3)
The veterinarian uses suitable instruments.
(4)
The procedure is done under hygienic conditions.
(c)
The owner of any bovine with a docked tail who purchased the bovine in a state where tail docking is legal shall be exempt from prosecution under this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 353, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-7. - Live poultry containers.

§ 4-1-7. Live poultry containers.
Any crate or other container used for the purpose of transporting, shipping, or holding for sale any live poultry shall be in a sanitary condition and shall be constructed so as to provide sufficient ventilation and warmth and the poultry, while in that container, shall receive any reasonable care as may be required to prevent unnecessary suffering. Any person violating any provision of this section shall, for each offense, be imprisoned not exceeding fifteen (15) days or be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1945, ch. 640, § 23; P.L. 1945, ch. 1651, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-8. - Sale of chicks and ducklings — Dyeing prohibited.

§ 4-1-8. Sale of chicks and ducklings — Dyeing prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to dye a chick, duckling, or other live poultry, or to have in his or her possession any chick, duckling, or other live poultry which has been dyed. No person shall sell or offer for sale any live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age in quantities of less than twelve (12), and provided further, that no person, firm, corporation or association shall offer live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age as a bonus, or as an inducement to the sale of or in conjunction with the purchase of any article. Any person, firm, or corporation violating this section shall for each offense be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-2. No pet store shall sell chicks or ducklings in any quantity.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 24; P.L. 1945, ch. 1651, § 2; P.L. 1964, ch. 24, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-8; P.L. 1968, ch. 71, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-9. - Animal fighting.

§ 4-1-9. Animal fighting.
Any person who causes or encourages the fighting of any bird, dog, or animal with any other bird, dog, or animal, or keeps or maintains any place for the fighting of birds, dogs, or animals, or who knowingly permits, or suffers, any fight to be had on his or her premises or on premises under his or her control, or makes any bet or lays any wager of any kind upon the result of that fight, shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or be imprisoned not exceeding two (2) years, or both, for the first offense, and for any subsequent offense shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or be imprisoned not exceeding two (2) years, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 283, § 15; P.L. 1901, ch. 848, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-9; P.L. 1980, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 126, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-10. - Possession or training of fighting animals.

§ 4-1-10. Possession or training of fighting animals.
Whoever owns, possesses, keeps or trains any bird, dog, or other animal, with the intent that that bird, dog, or animal engages in an exhibition of fighting, shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) and/or be imprisoned not exceeding two (2) years for the first offense, and for any subsequent offense shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or be imprisoned not exceeding two (2) years, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-10; P.L. 1980, ch. 5, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 126, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-11. - Attendance at bird or animal fight.

§ 4-1-11. Attendance at bird or animal fight.
Whoever is present at any place, building, or tenement where preparations are being made for an exhibition of the fighting of birds or animals, with the intent being present at that exhibition, or is present at that exhibition, shall be fined not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or imprisoned for not more than two (2) years, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-11; P.L. 1975, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 176, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-12. - Entry of premises where bird or animal fights are conducted — Arrest — Seizure of birds or animals.

§ 4-1-12. Entry of premises where bird or animal fights are conducted — Arrest — Seizure of birds or animals.
Any deputy sheriff, town sergeant, town constable, police officer, or any officer authorized to serve criminal process may enter any place, building, or tenement anywhere within the state where there is an exhibition of the fighting of birds or animals, or where preparations are being made for that exhibition, and, without a warrant, arrest all persons present and take possession of the birds or animals engaged in fighting and all birds or animals found there and intended to be used or engaged in fighting. Those persons shall be kept in custody in jail or other convenient place not more than twenty-four (24) hours, Sundays and legal holidays excepted, at or before the expiration of which time those persons shall be brought before a district court or the superior court and proceeded against according to law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 11; P.L. 1898, ch. 548, § 3; P.L. 1900, ch. 747, § 2; C.P.A. 1905, § 1216; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-12; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 10; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-13. - Forfeiture of fighting birds or animals.

§ 4-1-13. Forfeiture of fighting birds or animals.
After the seizure of any birds or animals as provided in § 4-1-12, application shall be made to a district court or the superior court for a sentence of forfeiture of the birds or animals; and if, upon the hearing of the application, it is found that the birds or animals, at the time of their seizure, were engaged in fighting at an exhibition or were owned, possessed, or kept by any person with the intent that they should be engaged in fighting at an exhibition, sentence of forfeiture shall be pronounced against them. Any officer authorized to serve criminal process shall sell them in any manner that the court orders, and pay the proceeds of that sale, after the payment of costs, including costs of seizure and keeping of those birds or animals, to the general treasurer for the use of the state. Whenever a seizure and application for sentence of forfeiture is made by or results from the complaint or information of any officer or agent of the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the proceeds of that sale shall be paid over to the society. Should it be found that any seized birds or animals are of no use or value, they shall be set at large, or otherwise disposed of, as the court may direct. The claimant is allowed to appear in the proceedings upon any application for a sentence of forfeiture. All seized birds or animals not sentenced for forfeiture shall be delivered to the owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 12; C.P.A. 1905, § 1216; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-14. - Appeal of sentence of forfeiture.

§ 4-1-14. Appeal of sentence of forfeiture.
Any claimant aggrieved by a sentence of forfeiture of a district court may, before the execution of that sentence, appeal to the superior court in the manner provided with reference to criminal appeals from district courts.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 13; C.P.A. 1905, § 1122; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-15. - Expense of care of seized birds or animals.

§ 4-1-15. Expense of care of seized birds or animals.
The necessary expenses incurred in the care and disposing of seized birds or animals may be allowed and paid in the same manner that costs in criminal prosecutions are paid.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-16. - Use of birds as targets.

§ 4-1-16. Use of birds as targets.
Any person who keeps or uses any live pigeon, fowl, or other bird for the purpose of a target or to be shot at, either for amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship, and any person who shoots at any bird or is a party to any shooting of any fowl or bird and any person who rents any building, shed, room, yard, field, or premises, or knowingly suffers or permits the use of any building, shed, room, yard, field, or premises, for the purpose of shooting any fowl or bird, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) or be imprisoned not exceeding ten (10) days, or both. Nothing in this section applies to the shooting of any wild game in its wild state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-17. - Unloading of animals in transit for rest, water, and feeding.

§ 4-1-17. Unloading of animals in transit for rest, water, and feeding.
(a)
No railroad company, in the transportation of animals, shall permit those animals to be confined in cars, after they have been confined twenty-eight (28) consecutive hours, without unloading those animals for rest, water, and feeding for at least five (5) consecutive hours, unless prevented from unloading them by storm or accidental causes. In estimating the confinement, the time during which the animals have been confined without rest on connecting roads from which they are received shall be included. It is the intent of this section to prohibit their continuous confinement longer than twenty-eight (28) hours, except upon the stated contingencies.
(b)
Animals unloaded shall be properly fed, watered, and sheltered, during their rest, by the owner or person having the custody of the animals; or in case of his or her default in doing so, then by the railroad company transporting those animals, at the expense of the owner or person in custody of the animals, and the company shall in that case have a lien upon those animals for food, care, and custody furnished and shall not be liable for any detention of those animals authorized by this chapter.
(c)
Any company, owner, or custodian of animals in transit failing to comply with this section shall for each offense be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
(d)
Whenever animals are carried in cars in which they can and do have proper food, water, space and opportunity for rest, the provisions for unloading them shall not apply.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-18. - Arrest of violators without warrant — Care of animals.

§ 4-1-18. Arrest of violators without warrant — Care of animals.
Any person violating this chapter may be arrested on view and held without a warrant; provided, that an arrest or detention without warrant shall not continue longer than twenty-four (24) hours; and the person making an arrest, with or without a warrant, shall use reasonable diligence to give notice to the owner of animals found in the charge or custody of the person arrested, and shall properly care and provide for those animals until the owner shall take charge of them, provided the owner shall do so within thirty (30) days from the date of the notice. The person making an arrest shall have a lien on those animals for the expense of their care and provision.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 5; P.L. 1898, ch. 548, § 2; P.L. 1900, ch. 747, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-19. - Issuance of search warrants.

§ 4-1-19. Issuance of search warrants.
Whenever complaint is made on oath to any magistrate authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases, that the complainant believes and has reasonable cause to believe that the laws in relation to cruelty to animals have been or are being violated in any building or place, the magistrate, if satisfied that there is reasonable cause for that belief, shall issue a search warrant, authorizing any officer, competent to serve a warrant, to search the building or place; but no search shall be made after sunset, unless specially authorized by the magistrate upon satisfactory cause shown.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-20. - Duty of police officers — Fines paid to society for prevention of cruelty to animals.

§ 4-1-20. Duty of police officers — Fines paid to society for prevention of cruelty to animals.
Any deputy sheriff, town constable, or police officer shall prosecute all violations of this chapter that come to his or her knowledge and all fines and forfeitures resulting from the complaint of any officer or agent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals under this chapter, shall enure and be paid over to the society in aid of the benevolent objects for which it was incorporated.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 8; G.L., ch. 283, § 15, as enacted by P.L. 1901, ch. 848, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 8; ch. 349, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 8; ch. 401, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 19; ch. 640, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-20; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 10; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-1 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 4-1-21. - Powers of agents of society for prevention of cruelty to animals.

§ 4-1-21. Powers of agents of society for prevention of cruelty to animals.
The general agent of the Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and any number of special agents as may be appointed by that society have the same power and authority to arrest as any officer authorized to serve criminal process for the purpose of enforcing any of the laws of this state in relation to cruelty to animals, that power and authority to extend throughout the state, and they may serve any search warrant issued under § 4-1-19 and may search any building or place named in that warrant. A general agent and any special agents may, for the purpose of carrying out their duties, possess and carry pistols as defined in § 11-47-2, and the provisions of § 11-47-8 shall not apply to them. Any person who interferes with or obstructs any of those agents in the discharge of their duty shall be guilty of obstructing an officer and punished as provided in § 11-32-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 19; P.L. 1907, ch. 1446, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 18; P.L. 1945, ch. 1651, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-21; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 1.