§ 4-1.2-1 — § 4-1.2-1. Seizure of animals being cruelly treated.

§ 4-1.2-1. Seizure of animals being cruelly treated.

(a) The RI state veterinarian, the general/special agent of the RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA), or any duly sworn and authorized state or municipal law enforcement officer may lawfully take charge and possession of any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated as defined in § 4-1-1, or in the opinion of that veterinarian, agent, or officer is aged, maimed, disabled, lame, sick, diseased, injured, unfit for the labor it is performing, or cruelly treated, and may thereupon proceed to provide all necessary care and treatment required or take other appropriate action as determined by a licensed veterinarian.

(b) Any person authorized to seize an animal pursuant to this section must leave written notice on the property where the animal was seized within twenty-four (24) hours of the seizure. This notice must be left in a location where it is reasonably likely to be found and must include the name, address, telephone number, and signature of the person seizing the animal; the reason for seizing the animal; and the location where the seized animal is being kept pending any order pursuant to § 4-1.2-3. If the address of the animal owner is known, notification through certified mail with return receipt requested shall also be provided.

Legislative History

P.L. 2019, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 242, § 1.