reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-22. - Subrogation of town or city to claim for damages.

§ 4-13-22. Subrogation of town or city to claim for damages.
Upon drawing an order as provided in §§ 4-13-20 and 4-13-21, the town or city may recover, in a civil action against the keeper or owner of any dog involved in the damage, full compensation for the damage done by his or her dog and costs of appraisal. Should the person suffering loss avail himself or herself of the provisions in §§ 4-13-20 — 4-13-22, he or she shall not be entitled to maintain a suit for damages against the owner or keeper of the dog.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-23. - Sworn testimony before appraiser.

§ 4-13-23. Sworn testimony before appraiser.
Whenever any owner of a sheep or lamb, cattle, horse, hog or fowl, suffering loss by reason of the biting, maiming or killing by any dog, notifies the appraiser as provided in §§ 4-13-20 and 4-13-21, the appraiser shall require the owner and any other person to be sworn before him or her, touching the loss, and, when sworn, to answer in writing as to any facts or circumstances relating to the loss, and the special constable or appraiser shall administer the oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-24. - Penalty for neglect of duties.

§ 4-13-24. Penalty for neglect of duties.
Any person appointed under the provisions of this chapter who qualifies himself or herself to act, and every city or town clerk and every city or town council, who willfully neglects to perform any of the duties imposed upon him, her, or them by the provisions, shall forfeit one hundred dollars ($100) for the use of any person who sues for the penalty.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-25. - Election of special constable and appraiser in Pawtucket.

§ 4-13-25. Election of special constable and appraiser in Pawtucket.
The council of the city of Pawtucket shall in the month of February in each year elect a special constable under the dog law, and an appraiser of damage done by dogs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1932, ch. 1951, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-29. - Quarantine to suppress rabies — Report of cases.

§ 4-13-29. Quarantine to suppress rabies — Report of cases.
(a)
The rabies control board of Rhode Island is empowered to issue any rules and regulations not contrary to law that may be necessary in setting the terms and conditions of each type of quarantine or to quarantine any area or areas within the state that the board may from time to time deem necessary for the purpose of prevention, controlling, or suppressing rabies. The rabies control board is authorized to quarantine any animal suspected of harboring rabies and/or to delegate the authority to quarantine dogs, cats, and ferrets suspected of harboring rabies to local animal control officers (ACO) or other representatives authorized by the municipality. The board or its agents are authorized to seek a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction for entry to any premises, public or private, where probable cause exists that a violation of this section and/or § 4-13-31 is occurring within or about the premises. Notification shall be given immediately to the board or any of its members by any person or persons, including but not limited to veterinarians, licensed to practice in this state, and city or town health officials, upon the detection by them of an animal suspected to be affected with rabies.
(b)
Any appeal from an order of quarantine shall be to the superior court of Providence County or in the county in which the cause of action arose.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 136, § 33; P.L. 1930, ch. 1597, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-29; P.L. 1992, ch. 353, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 388, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-29.1. - Responsibility for local rabies control.

§ 4-13-29.1. Responsibility for local rabies control.
Each city and town is required to provide for the control of rabies in cats, dogs, and ferrets within its boundaries. The municipality may elect to adopt into ordinance provisions at least as stringent as this chapter and the regulations adopted by the board or it may choose to accept delegation of the authority of the board as provided in § 4-13-29. The rabies control board has the authority to institute a civil action to enforce the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 388, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-29.2. - Exemption from liability.

§ 4-13-29.2. Exemption from liability.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, neither the rabies control board, any member of the board, the state or any of the state’s subdivisions, or any person acting as their agent, is subject to civil liabilities or penalties of any type, arising out of their actions performed in the course of their duties pursuant to this chapter. Nothing in this section is to be construed to limit or otherwise affect the liability of any person for damages resulting from the person’s gross negligence or from the person’s reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 388, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-29.3. - Regulations for suppression of rabies.

§ 4-13-29.3. Regulations for suppression of rabies.
The rabies control board has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the functions required to prevent, control, or suppress rabies and every person who fails to comply with any regulation made shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or be imprisoned not exceeding one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 388, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-32. - Penalty for violation of rabies suppression provisions.

§ 4-13-32. Penalty for violation of rabies suppression provisions.
Any person violating the provisions of §§ 4-13-29 and 4-13-31 shall be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense or be imprisoned for not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days and/or be subject to confiscation of the animal(s) which is/are the basis of the violation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, ch. 136, § 35; P.L. 1930, ch. 1597, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-32; P.L. 1992, ch. 353, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 388, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-33. - Agent of society for prevention of cruelty as special constable.

§ 4-13-33. Agent of society for prevention of cruelty as special constable.
The board of police commissioners of any city, and the city council and town council of any city or town where there is no board of police commissioners, may appoint an agent of the Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals as special constable or officer to enforce this chapter, and when appointed that agent shall have all the authority and power and be subject to all the duties and liabilities imposed upon special officers by this chapter. The general agent or any special agent of The Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shall have the authority to enforce this chapter whenever any violation of this chapter comes to the attention of that general agent or special agent.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 141, § 20; P.L. 1927, ch. 1037, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-33; P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-34. - Correction of defects in prosecutions.

§ 4-13-34. Correction of defects in prosecutions.
Any defect in any action, complaint and warrant, indictment or other proceeding commenced and prosecuted under this chapter, either of form or substance, may be amended by the court before which the action, complaint and warrant or indictment is originally brought or may be pending.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 21; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-35. - Immunity of officers from costs.

§ 4-13-35. Immunity of officers from costs.
No officer making complaint under this chapter shall be required to give surety for costs, or be liable for the costs that may arise upon any complaint brought under this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 111, § 27; G.L. 1909, ch. 135, § 27; G.L. 1923, ch. 136, § 27; G.L. 1938, ch. 639, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 4-13-35.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-36. - Agent of Robert Potter league for animals in town of Portsmouth as special constable.

§ 4-13-36. Agent of Robert Potter league for animals in town of Portsmouth as special constable.
The town council of the town of Portsmouth may appoint an agent of the Robert Potter league for animals as special constable or officer to enforce this chapter, and when appointed, that agent shall have all the authority and power and be subject to all the duties and liabilities imposed upon special officers by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 79, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-37. - Agent of Robert Potter league for animals in town of Middletown as special constable.

§ 4-13-37. Agent of Robert Potter league for animals in town of Middletown as special constable.
The town council of the town of Middletown may appoint an agent of the Robert Potter league for animals as special constable or officer to enforce this chapter, and when appointed, that agent shall have all the authority and power and be subject to all the duties and liabilities imposed upon special officers by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 119, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-38. - Dogs attacking deer.

§ 4-13-38. Dogs attacking deer.
A person owning, keeping or possessing a dog shall not allow, permit or consent to this dog chasing, hunting, molesting, attacking, or killing a deer. The director of environmental management is authorized to issue an order to restrain all dogs from running at large in any city or town where, in the director’s opinion, this restraining order is necessary to prevent dogs from chasing, hunting, molesting, attacking, or killing deer. This order shall be in effect forty-eight (48) hours after publication in one or more newspapers circulated in the city or town. When, in the director’s opinion, the director determines that this restraining order is no longer necessary, the director shall, by publication, rescind this order. A person owning, keeping, or possessing a dog shall restrain it from running at large in any city or town in which this restraining order is in effect. The chief of the division of enforcement, the chief’s assistants, conservation officers, members of the state police, members of the local police, in areas over which they have jurisdiction, may issue a citation to the owner of any dog found chasing, hunting, molesting, attacking, or killing a deer, charging the owner with a violation of this chapter. During any period when this order is not in force, the chief of the division of enforcement, the chief’s assistants, conservation officers and members of the state police and members of the local police and park police in areas over which they have jurisdiction, may issue a citation to the owner of any dog found chasing or hunting a deer if the dog is chasing or hunting with the knowledge or consent of the owner. Whenever a dog has been found chasing, hunting, molesting, attacking, or killing a deer and the owner or keeper of the dog has been notified by the director, and the same dog is found chasing, hunting, molesting, attacking, or killing, it shall be prima facie evidence that this chasing, hunting, molesting, attacking, or killing was with the knowledge or consent of the owner or keeper.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 586, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-39. - Penalties.

§ 4-13-39. Penalties.
Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall be fined fifty dollars ($50) for a first offense and one hundred dollars ($100) for a second and subsequent offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 586, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-40. - Exemptions from application of chapter.

§ 4-13-40. Exemptions from application of chapter.
The provisions of this chapter do not apply to K-9 and/or other dogs owned by any police department or any law enforcement officer which are used in the performance of police work.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 417, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-41. - Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-13-41. Use of the terms owner or guardian.
Wherever the word “owner” shall appear in this chapter it shall also mean and may be interchanged with the word “guardian” as defined in § 4-13-1.2.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-43. - Prohibition of breed specific regulation.

§ 4-13-43. Prohibition of breed specific regulation.
No city or town may enact any rule, regulation or ordinance specific to any breed of dog or cat in the exercise of its power to further control and regulate dogs, cats or other animals as authorized by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 450, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13 - Dogs › Section 4-13-44. - Minimum maturity level for sale of dogs.

§ 4-13-44. Minimum maturity level for sale of dogs.
(a)
Except as otherwise authorized under any other provision of law, it shall be a crime, punishable as specified in subsection (c) of this section, for any person to sell or transfer (as further described within subsection (b) of this section) one or more dogs that are not fully weaned unless, prior to any physical transfer of the dog or dogs from the seller/transferor to the purchaser/transferee, the dog or dogs are approved for sale, as evidenced by written documentation from a veterinarian licensed to practice in Rhode Island.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, the sale or transfer of a dog or dogs shall not be considered complete, and thereby subject to the requirements and penalties of this section, unless and until the seller/transferor physically transfers the dog or dogs to the purchaser/transferee.
(c)
Any person who violates this section shall be subject to imprisonment not to exceed twelve (12) months or a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
(d)
With respect to the sale of two (2) or more dogs in violation of this section, each dog unlawfully sold or transferred shall represent a separate offense.
(e)
This section shall not apply in instances where the following types of organizations place a dog into “foster care” pursuant to their respective current practices of operation:
(1)
An organization, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or animal shelter, as defined in § 4-19-2; and
(2)
A pound or dog pound as defined in § 4-19-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-1. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 4-13.1-1. Declaration of purpose.
(a)
It is declared that vicious dogs have become a serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of citizens of the state, in that vicious dogs have in recent years assaulted without provocation and seriously injured numerous individuals, particularly children, and have killed numerous dogs. Many of these attacks have occurred in public places.
(b)
The number and severity of these attacks are also attributable to the failure of owners to register, confine, and properly control vicious dogs.
(c)
It is further declared that the necessity for the regulation and control of vicious dogs is a statewide problem, requiring statewide regulation, and that existing laws are inadequate to deal with the threat to public health and safety posed by vicious dogs.
(d)
It is further declared that the owning, keeping or harboring of vicious dogs is a nuisance.
(e)
It is further declared that because of the danger posed to the public, health, safety and welfare by vicious dogs, this chapter constitutes an emergency measure providing for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-4. - Control of vicious dogs.

§ 4-13.1-4. Control of vicious dogs.
(a)
All dogs that have been declared vicious shall be confined in an enclosure. It is unlawful for any owner or keeper to maintain a dog that has been declared vicious upon any premises which does not have a locked enclosure.
(b)
It is unlawful for any owner or keeper to allow any vicious dog to be outside of the dwelling of the owner or keeper or outside of the enclosure unless it is necessary for the owner or keeper to obtain veterinary care for the vicious dog or to comply with commands or directions of the dog officer with respect to the vicious dog, or to comply with the provisions of § 4-13.1-3(a)(1) or (a)(2). In this event, the vicious dog shall be securely muzzled and restrained with a leash or chain having a minimum tensile strength of three hundred (300) pounds and not exceeding three feet (3′) in length, and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the owner or keeper of the vicious dog.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 365, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 374, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-5. - Harboring dogs for dog fighting — Training dogs to attack humans — Selling, breeding, or buying dogs.

§ 4-13.1-5. Harboring dogs for dog fighting — Training dogs to attack humans — Selling, breeding, or buying dogs.
(a)
No person shall own or harbor any dog for the purpose of dog fighting; or train, torment, badger, bait, or use any dog for the purpose of causing or encouraging the dog to unprovoked attacks upon human beings or domestic animals.
(b)
No person shall possess with intent to sell, or offer for sale, breed, or buy, or attempt to buy, within the state any vicious dog.
(c)
Any dog described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section lawfully seized by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, agent or officer of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shall be placed in the care of the RISPCA pursuant to the provisions of § 4-1-22 — § 4-1-31.
(d)
The RISPCA shall utilize a timely process to determine the disposition of the dog and provide for prompt transfer to an appropriate rescue organization or adoptive home with humane euthanization occurring only if the dog’s medical and/or behavioral condition warrants such action or it is determined, after reasonable time and effort have been expended, that no appropriate placement for the dog exists.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 160, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 183, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-6. - Repealed.

§ 4-13.1-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-13.1-6; Repealed by P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 2, effective June 24, 1986. For present provisions of law, see § 4-13.1-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-7. - Action for damages — Destruction of offending vicious dog.

§ 4-13.1-7. Action for damages — Destruction of offending vicious dog.
If any dog declared vicious under § 4-13.1-11, when unprovoked, kills or wounds, or assists in killing or wounding, any domestic animal, belonging to or in the possession of any person, or, when unprovoked, attacks, assaults, bites, or otherwise injures any human being or assists in attacking, assaulting, biting or otherwise injuring any human being while out of or within the enclosure of the owner or keeper of the vicious dog, or while otherwise on or off the property of the owner or keeper whether or not the vicious dog was on a leash and securely muzzled or whether the vicious dog escaped without fault of the owner or keeper, the owner or keeper of the dog may be liable to the person aggrieved for all damage sustained, to be recovered in a civil action, with costs of suit. It is rebuttably presumed as a matter of law that the owning, keeping, or harboring of a dog that has been declared vicious in violation of this chapter is a nuisance. It shall not be necessary, in order to sustain any action, to prove that the owner or keeper of a dog that has been declared vicious knew that the dog that has been declared vicious possessed the propensity to cause this damage or that the dog had a vicious nature.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 365, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 374, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-8. - Exemptions.

§ 4-13.1-8. Exemptions.
(a)
Sections 4-13.1-3 — 4-13.1-7 shall not apply to kennels licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or chapter 19 of this title.
(b)
This chapter shall not apply to K-9 or other dogs owned by any police department or any law enforcement officer which are used in the performance of police work.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 274, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-10. - Legal registration drives.

§ 4-13.1-10. Legal registration drives.
It shall be the duty of each city or town to conduct a licensing drive annually after September 1, 1985 in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-12. - Uniform summons — Mail-in fines — Prosecution.

§ 4-13.1-12. Uniform summons — Mail-in fines — Prosecution.
The attorney general shall establish a uniform summons or citation to be used by state and municipal law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of this chapter. Fines of one hundred dollars ($100) or less may be paid by mail. All other fines or penalties shall require a court appearance. Any offense under this chapter may be prosecuted by complaint.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 274, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-13. - Liability of parents for damages caused by dog owned by minor.

§ 4-13.1-13. Liability of parents for damages caused by dog owned by minor.
In the event that the owner or keeper of the vicious dog is a minor, the parent or guardian of that minor is liable for all injuries and property damage sustained by any person or domestic animal caused by an unprovoked attack by that vicious dog.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 429, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-14. - Severability.

§ 4-13.1-14. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the chapter and the application of those provisions to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected by that invalidity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-15. - Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-13.1-15. Use of the terms owner or guardian.
Wherever the word “owner” shall appear in this chapter it shall also mean and may be interchanged with the word “guardian” as defined in § 4-13.1-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-13.1 - Regulation of Vicious Dogs › Section 4-13.1-16. - Prohibition of breed specific regulation.

§ 4-13.1-16. Prohibition of breed specific regulation.
No city or town may enact any rule, regulation or ordinance specific to any breed of dog or cat in the exercise of its power to further control and regulate dogs, cats or other animals as authorized by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 450, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-1. - Animals at large — Civil liability — Penalty.

§ 4-14-1. Animals at large — Civil liability — Penalty.
No horse, bull, boar, ram, or goat shall be permitted to run at large and if the owner or keeper of these, for any reason suffers any animals to do so he or she shall upon conviction be fined not in excess of one hundred dollars ($100) and be liable in addition for all damages done by the animal while so at large, although the animal escapes without the fault of the owner or keeper. The construction of any lawful fence shall not relieve the owner or keeper from liability for any damage committed by an animal of the enumerated class upon the enclosed premises of an adjoining owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, ch. 641, § 13; P.L. 1954, ch. 3317, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-1; P.L. 1974, ch. 231, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-2. - Animals breaking into enclosure — Action for damages — Impoundment.

§ 4-14-2. Animals breaking into enclosure — Action for damages — Impoundment.
If any neat-cattle, horses, sheep, or hogs breaks through a lawful fence into the enclosure of any person, the person aggrieved may recover his or her damages either by action against the owner of the trespassing beasts or by impounding the beasts.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-3. - Appraisal of damages for recovery by impoundment.

§ 4-14-3. Appraisal of damages for recovery by impoundment.
The party aggrieved, in order to be entitled to recover damages by impounding, shall, within two (2) days after the beasts break into his or her enclosure, get two (2) qualified electors of the city or town where the trespass is committed, to appraise the damage and give a statement, in writing, under their hands, and lodge the statement with the poundkeeper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-4. - Notice to owner of impoundment.

§ 4-14-4. Notice to owner of impoundment.
Whenever beasts are impounded, the poundkeeper shall, within forty-eight (48) hours, give notice, in writing, to the owner, if the owner is known to him or her and resides within six (6) miles from the pound. The notice shall be delivered to the owner or left at his or her place of abode, and shall contain a description of the beasts and a statement of the time and cause of impounding and in case the owner is not known, or resides more than six (6) miles from the pound, the person impounding shall post the notice in three (3) public places in the town in which the beasts are impounded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-5. - Sale of impounded animals.

§ 4-14-5. Sale of impounded animals.
If the owner of impounded beasts shall not, within ten (10) days after the impounding, pay and satisfy the damages appraised and the charges of impounding and feeding those beasts, or shall not replevy those beasts, the poundkeeper shall cause them to be sold by public auction in the city or town where they are impounded, first advertising the sale by giving personal notice to the owner of the beasts, if he or she be known, and if he or she be not known, by posting notices of the sale at least three (3) days before the sale in three (3) public places in the city or town in which the beasts are impounded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-6. - Disposition of proceeds of sale.

§ 4-14-6. Disposition of proceeds of sale.
The proceeds of sale, after paying all the damages, costs, and expenses, with the costs of advertising and selling the beasts, shall be paid into the city or town treasury, for the use of the owner of those beasts, if he or she substantiates his or her claim within two (2) years from sale.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-7. - Feeding of impounded animals — Collection of fees.

§ 4-14-7. Feeding of impounded animals — Collection of fees.
The poundkeeper shall feed the impounded beasts at the charge of the owner, and he or she shall not deliver them to the owner until the owner pays the fees, together with the sum demanded for damages and all other legal costs and expenses.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-8. - Impoundment fees.

§ 4-14-8. Impoundment fees.
The poundkeeper shall be allowed as his or her fee for impounding, for each neat-beast or horse, twenty-five cents (25¢); for each hog or sheep, five cents (5¢); and for each notification set up, or notice given to the owner, twenty-five cents (25¢); and ten cents (10¢) per mile for travel in giving personal notice, to be computed from the pound to the place of service.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-9. - Action for damages after impounded animals returned to owner.

§ 4-14-9. Action for damages after impounded animals returned to owner.
If the owner of the impounded beasts within two (2) days after they are impounded, demand of and receive from the poundkeeper those impounded beasts and pay the charges, and if the person impounding has not lodged with the poundkeeper a statement of damages, he or she may have his or her action for those damages, provided he or she performs all the requisitions and proceedings mentioned in § 4-14-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-10. - Replevin to recover impounded animals.

§ 4-14-10. Replevin to recover impounded animals.
Any person whose beasts are impounded may, if he or she sees cause, maintain a writ of replevin, to be sued out and prosecuted before the district court having jurisdiction in the city or town where they were impounded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-11. - Procedure in replevin.

§ 4-14-11. Procedure in replevin.
The writ shall be sued out, served and returned, and the cause heard and determined in like manner as other civil actions before a district court in all particulars in which a different course is not prescribed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-12. - Replevin bond.

§ 4-14-12. Replevin bond.
The writ shall not be served unless the plaintiff or some one in his or her behalf executes and delivers to the officer a bond to the defendant, with sufficient sureties, to be approved by the officer, in a penalty double the value of the beasts to be replevied, with condition to prosecute the replevin to final judgment and to pay any damages and costs as the defendant shall recover against him or her, and also to return the beasts in case that is the final judgment, which bond the officer shall return with the writ, to be left with the court for the use of the defendant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-13. - Judgment in replevin.

§ 4-14-13. Judgment in replevin.
If it appears that the beasts were lawfully impounded, the defendant shall have judgment for any sum as shall be found due from the plaintiff for the damages for which the beasts were impounded, together with all the legal fees, costs, charges, and expenses and the costs of the action of replevin, or instead of this judgment the court may, in its discretion, enter judgment for a return of the beasts to the defendant, to be held by him or her irrepleviable by the plaintiff and for defendant’s damage for the taking by the replevin and for his or her costs of suit. In case the plaintiff in replevin shall not enter his or her suit in replevin, the defendant may file his or her complaint before the court and have judgment against the plaintiff as provided.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-14. - Disposition of replevied animals returned to defendant.

§ 4-14-14. Disposition of replevied animals returned to defendant.
Whenever the beasts are returned to the defendant pursuant to a judgment under § 4-14-13, they shall be held and disposed of in like manner as if they had not been replevied.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-15. - Judgment for plaintiff in replevin.

§ 4-14-15. Judgment for plaintiff in replevin.
If it appears, upon the default of the defendant or otherwise, that the beasts were taken without sufficient or justifiable cause, the plaintiff shall have judgment for his or her damages caused by the unjust taking and detaining of the beasts, and for his or her costs of suit.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-16. - Appeal in replevin.

§ 4-14-16. Appeal in replevin.
Either party may, in the district court, claim an appeal in the action brought pursuant to § 4-14-13, in the same manner and with the same effect as is by law provided in other civil actions in a district court.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 15; P.L. 1929, ch. 1331, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-17. - Actions beyond jurisdiction of district court.

§ 4-14-17. Actions beyond jurisdiction of district court.
Whenever the sum demanded for damages exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000) or whenever the ownership in the beasts is in question and their value exceeds that sum, the action shall be brought before the superior court for the same county, and whenever this fact appears of record or in evidence in any action brought in the district court, the district court shall proceed no further; but shall certify the action to the superior court for that county, which shall proceed to try the action as if it had originally been brought there.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 16; C.P.A. 1905, § 1124; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 16; P.L. 1929, ch. 1331, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-17; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 47.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-18. - Appraisal in action for damages against owner of animals.

§ 4-14-18. Appraisal in action for damages against owner of animals.
If the aggrieved person proceeds by action against the owner or keeper of the trespassing beasts, he or she shall get two (2) disinterested inhabitants of the city or town where the trespass was committed to appraise the damages and to give him or her a certificate, in writing, under their hands, which certificate shall be attached to his or her writ and makes an essential part of the writ; and under no circumstances shall he or she recover from the defendant in the action, unless the appraisal and certificate are made within ten (10) days after the time the trespass was committed, nor then to a greater amount of damages than the amount named in the certificate.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-19. - Right of action where animals break division fence.

§ 4-14-19. Right of action where animals break division fence.
Nothing in this chapter contained shall be construed as to impair the right of any proprietor or occupant of land to recover all the damages which he or she sustains by any cattle, sheep, horses, or hogs breaking into his land through that part of the division fence between him or her and the adjoining owner which it is the right and duty of that adjoining owner to repair, if that part of the division fence at the time is out of repair or not conformable to law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 129, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 155, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 185, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 642, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 4-14-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-14 - Damage by Animals › Section 4-14-20. - Use of the terms owner or guardian.

§ 4-14-20. Use of the terms owner or guardian.
Wherever the word “owner” shall appear in this chapter it shall also mean and may be interchanged with the word “guardian” as defined in § 4-1-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 72, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-1. - Municipal pounds.

§ 4-15-1. Municipal pounds.
Every town or city may maintain at its own charge one or more public pounds, for the impounding of horses, mules, neat-cattle, sheep, goats, geese, hogs, and asses and for the securing of those animals agreeable to law in some convenient place or places in that town or city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 127, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 153, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 183, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 643, § 1; P.L. 1952, ch. 3001, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-2. - Appointment of field drivers.

§ 4-15-2. Appointment of field drivers.
The town and city councils of the several towns and cities may appoint one or more field drivers for their cities and towns, with the same power to impound animals as the freeholders and qualified voters of the cities and towns.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-3. - Impoundment of animals at large on highways.

§ 4-15-3. Impoundment of animals at large on highways.
If any horse, neat-beast, sheep, or hog is going at large in any highway or common, or on any land thrown open as a way for public travel and used by the public for travel, any freeholder or qualified elector or field driver may, and every surveyor of highways of the town within which that animal is at large shall, take up the animal and impound it in one of the public pounds of that city or town, and every surveyor of highways of the city or town may appoint in writing a deputy or deputies for that purpose, filing in the office of the city or town clerk a copy of that appointment.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-4. - Grazing animals deemed at large.

§ 4-15-4. Grazing animals deemed at large.
Every horse, neat-beast, sheep, or hog which feeds or grazes upon any highway or common, or on any land thrown open as a way for public travel and used by the public for travel, is deemed to be going at large.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-5. - Animals in private ways in Newport.

§ 4-15-5. Animals in private ways in Newport.
Horses, neat-cattle, sheep, and hogs are deemed to be at large within the meaning of this chapter within the limits of any private way in the city of Newport, without the consent of the owners of the fee in that private way, and that private way, for the purpose of authorizing the taking up and impounding of those animals, is deemed a common within the meaning of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-6. - Care of impounded animals.

§ 4-15-6. Care of impounded animals.
The keeper of any pound in which any animal is impounded shall receive, keep, and feed the animal in that pound and he or she shall and may milk any impounded cow for his or her own use.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-7. - Fees paid to poundkeeper.

§ 4-15-7. Fees paid to poundkeeper.
(a)
The owner of any impounded animal shall not take the animal out of the pound until he or she first pays to the poundkeeper, the expenses of keeping that animal, no regard being had to the milk derived from the animal, and the fees of the poundkeeper for receiving the animal into the pound, namely: for each horse and neat-beast, not more than five dollars ($5.00); for each sheep and hog, not more than three dollars ($3.00); for every notification set up, or notice given to the owner, not more than one dollar ($1.00); and the following penalties, namely: for every horse, neat-beast, hog, and sheep, not more than two dollars ($2.00) as by ordinance provided by each town or city.
(b)
The Richmond town council is authorized to enact ordinances:
(1)
Prohibiting the owner or custodian of any animal including, but not limited to, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, emus, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, poultry, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, pea fowl, peacocks, ostriches, reptiles, and birds, to allow that animal to be at large;
(2)
Authorizing the animal control officer or any police officer to seize and impound any animal found off the property of its owner or custodian;
(3)
Imposing the penalties prescribed by 4-13-1(b)(12) for allowing any animal to be at large; and
(4)
Permitting the animal control officer or any police officer to issue citations for violations and to provide for payment of fines by mail.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 5; P.L. 1955, ch. 3571, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-7; P.L. 2011, ch. 141, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 142, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-8. - Disposition of penalties.

§ 4-15-8. Disposition of penalties.
The poundkeeper shall pay one half (½) of every sum received by him or her as a penalty, in pursuance of § 4-15-7, to the city or town treasurer of the city or town in which the pound is situated, and one half (½) to the person who impounded the animal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 4-15 - Animals at Large › Section 4-15-9. - Advertising and notice of impoundment.

§ 4-15-9. Advertising and notice of impoundment.
After any animal has been impounded for forty-eight (48) hours, the poundkeeper shall immediately post up notifications in at least three (3) public places in the city or town with that pound, one of which shall be at or near the office of the city or town clerk of that city or town, describing the natural and artificial marks, if any, on the animal, or shall give notice in writing to the owner of the animal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 128, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 154, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 184, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 641, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 4-15-9.