2014 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry
Chapter 4-19 - Animal Care
Section 4-19-1 - Purpose.

§ 4-19-1 Purpose. – The purpose of this chapter is:

(1) To protect the owners of dogs and cats from the sale or use of stolen pets;

(2) To insure that all warm-blooded vertebrate animals, as items of commerce are provided humane care and treatment by regulating the transportation, sale, purchase, housing, care, handling and treatment of these animals by persons or organizations engaged in transporting, buying, or selling them for commercial use;

(3) To insure that animals confined in pet shops, kennels, animal shelters, auction markets, and pounds are provided humane care and treatment;

(4) To release for sale, trade or adoption only those animals which appear to be free of infection, communicable disease, or abnormalities, unless veterinary care subsequent to release is assured; and

(5) To ensure the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats which are adopted from a releasing agency.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1972, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 24, § 1.)