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Rhode Island General Laws

Chapter 4-1

R.I. Gen. Laws tit. 4, ch. 1

Cruelty to Animals

4-1-1Definitions — Responsibility for agents and employees 4-1-2Overwork, mistreatment, or failure to feed animals — Shelter defined 4-1-3Unnecessary cruelty 4-1-3.1Prohibited practices in destruction of animals 4-1-3.2Animal confinement in motor vehicles prohibited 4-1-4Abandonment of infirm animals 4-1-5Malicious injury to or killing of animals 4-1-6Shearing of horses in winter 4-1-6.1Operating upon tails of bovines prohibited 4-1-7Live poultry containers 4-1-8Sale of chicks and ducklings — Dyeing prohibited 4-1-9Animal fighting 4-1-10Possession or training of fighting animals 4-1-11Attendance at bird or animal fight 4-1-12Entry of premises where bird or animal fights are conducted — Arrest — Seizure of birds or animals 4-1-13Forfeiture of fighting birds or animals 4-1-14Appeal of sentence of forfeiture 4-1-15Expense of care of seized birds or animals 4-1-16Use of birds as targets 4-1-17Unloading of animals in transit for rest, water, and feeding 4-1-18Arrest of violators without warrant — Care of animals 4-1-19Issuance of search warrants 4-1-20Duty of police officers — Fines paid to society for prevention of cruelty to animals 4-1-21Powers of agents of society for prevention of cruelty to animals 4-1-22Care of neglected animals by society — Forfeiture of owner’s rights — Expenses 4-1-23Destruction of infirm animals by society 4-1-24Jurisdiction of offenses — Appeals 4-1-25Appropriations for prevention of cruelty — Payments to society 4-1-26Abandonment of animals 4-1-26.1Reports of abandoned, neglected or abused animals 4-1-27Auction of lost or abandoned animals and poultry 4-1-28Greasy pig contests prohibited 4-1-29Release of caged animals in park or zoo 4-1-30RepealedRepealed 4-1-30.1Cruelty to public safety — Dogs and horses 4-1-31Assignment of state veterinarian 4-1-32RepealedRepealed 4-1-33Persons using animals for research — Registration 4-1-34Destruction of racing greyhounds 4-1-34.1Restriction on sale of greyhounds 4-1-34.2Autopsies and medical treatment permitted 4-1-34.3Violations — Penalties 4-1-35Community restitution 4-1-36Psychiatric counseling 4-1-37Immunity from suit 4-1-38Use of the terms owner or guardian 4-1-39Transport and shelter of horses 4-1-40Possession of animals 4-1-41Devocalization or declawing as requirement for property occupancy prohibited 4-1-42Care of neglected animals by department — Forfeiture of owner’s rights — Expenses 4-1-43Use of bullhooks or similar devices on elephants prohibited 4-1-44Declawing cats prohibited