Rhode Island § 4-1-9 - Cruelty to Animals
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-9 — Cruelty to Animals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-1-9. Cruelty to Animals
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-9
§ 4-1-9. Animal fighting.
Any person who causes or encourages the fighting of any bird, dog, or animal with any other bird, dog, or animal, or keeps or maintains any place for the fighting of birds, dogs, or animals, or who knowingly permits, or suffers, any fight to be had on the person’s premises or on premises under the person’s control, or makes any bet or lays any wager of any kind upon the result of that fight, shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or be imprisoned not exceeding two (2) years, or both, for the first offense, and for a second and any subsequent offense shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or be imprisoned not exceeding five (5) years, or both. In addition, every person convicted of a first offense shall be required to perform twenty (20) hours of community service. Every person convicted of a subsequent offense shall be required to perform fifty (50) hours of community service. The community service penalty shall not be suspended or deferred.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 283, § 15; P.L. 1901, ch. 848, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 19; G.L.
1923, ch. 401, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-9; P.L. 1980, ch.
16, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 271, § 1, effective June 27, 2025;
P.L. 2025, ch. 274, § 1, effective June 27, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 4-1-9
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-9 cover?
Section 4-1-9 ("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 § 4-1-9?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-9" (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 § 4-1-9 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.