Rhode Island § 4-1-21 - Cruelty to Animals
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-21 — Cruelty to Animals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-1-21. Cruelty to Animals
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-21
§ 4-1-21. Powers of agents of society for prevention of cruelty to animals.
The general agent of the Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and any number of special agents as may be appointed by that society have the same power and authority to arrest as any officer authorized to serve criminal process for the purpose of enforcing any of the laws of this state in relation to cruelty to animals, that power and authority to extend throughout the state, and they may serve any search warrant issued under § 4-1-19 and may search any building or place named in that warrant. A general agent and any special agents may, for the purpose of carrying out their duties, possess and carry pistols as defined in § 11-47-2, and the provisions of § 11-47-8 shall not apply to them. Any person who interferes with or obstructs any of those agents in the discharge of their duty shall be guilty of obstructing an officer and punished as provided in § 11-32-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 19; P.L. 1907, ch. 1446, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 18; G.L.
1923, ch. 141, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 640, § 18; P.L. 1945, ch. 1651, § 1; G.L. 1956,
§ 4-1-21; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 4-1-21
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-21 cover?
Section 4-1-21 ("Cruelty to Animals") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 4-1-21?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-21" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 4-1-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.