2019 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry
Chapter 4-1.2 Seizure of Animals Being Cruelly Treated
Section 4-1.2-3 Order for temporary care of seized animals.
§ 4-1.2-3. Order for temporary care of seized animals.
(a) If it appears from the allegations of the petition and other affirmations of fact accompanying the petition, or provided subsequent thereto, that there is reasonable cause to find that the animal's condition or the circumstances surrounding its care require that its custody be immediately assumed to safeguard its welfare, the court shall either:
(1) Issue an order to the owner(s) or person(s) having responsibility for the care of the animal to show cause at such time as the court may designate why the court shall not vest in some suitable state, municipal, or other public or private agency or person the animal's temporary care and custody pending a hearing on the petition; or
(2) Issue an order vesting in some suitable state, municipal, or other public or private agency or person, the animal's temporary care and custody, pending a hearing on the petition, which hearing shall be held within ten (10) days from the issuance of the order on the need for such temporary care and custody. The service of the orders may be made by any officer authorized by law to serve process, state police officer, indifferent person, or by certified mail with return receipt requested if the individual lives out of state.
History of Section.
(P.L. 2019, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 242, § 1.)
