RIGL 4-13 requires all dogs to be licensed annually through local city or town clerks. Dogs must be confined to the owner's property or restrained on a leash. RIGL 4-13.1 regulates vicious dogs through a behavior-based approach. RIGL 4-13-43 prohibits breed-specific legislation — no municipality in Providence County may enact breed-specific rules. Providence County has no county government; enforcement is entirely municipal.
All dogs in Providence County must be licensed annually through their respective city or town clerk per RI Gen Laws section 4-13-6. License fees support animal control operations. Dogs must be confined to owner's property or restrained on a leash at all times. Rhode Island law allows municipalities to designate off-leash areas in parks. Stray dogs are handled by municipal animal control officers. Dangerous dog hearings are conducted by municipal courts. Rabies vaccination is required for licensing.
Unlicensed dog: $25 to $100 fine plus license fee. Dog at large: $25 to $200. Repeat offenses: escalating fines and possible court action.
Providence County, RI
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Foster Center, RI
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