Rhode Island Title 4 Chapter 1 criminalizes animal cruelty including neglect and unsanitary confinement that constitutes hoarding. Owners must provide adequate food, water, shelter, and care, with violations enforced by local animal control and state authorities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-2 through § 4-1-5 establish duties of owners and prohibit unnecessary cruelty, including failure to provide proper food, drink, shelter, and protection from weather. Hoarding situations involving overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, or denial of veterinary care fall under these provisions. Aggravated cruelty is a felony under § 4-1-5 carrying up to two years imprisonment. Animals may be seized and forfeited. The statute applies statewide, and Rhode Island law authorizes local police, animal control officers, and the RISPCA to investigate and enforce. Convicted hoarders may face possession bans.
Misdemeanor cruelty carries fines up to $1,000 and one year in jail. Aggravated cruelty is a felony with up to two years imprisonment and $1,000 fines.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket Code Chapter 286 (adopted 1972, Ord. No. 1369) prohibits noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dBA at the property line, or sound p...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's noise ordinance Chapter 286 covers animal noise under its general prohibition on unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace. Habitual barking cons...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates construction noise through Chapter 286 general noise provisions. Construction activities must comply with the 5 dBA above ambient standar...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's zoning ordinance allows storage of recreational vehicles in private garages and sheds. Tractor trailers are prohibited in residential zones. RVs ...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates driveway construction through building permits and zoning. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking requirements vary by lan...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Providence County.
See how Pawtucket's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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