Rhode Island § 4-1-12 - Cruelty to Animals
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-12 — Cruelty to Animals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-1-12. Cruelty to Animals
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-12
§ 4-1-12. Entry of premises where bird or animal fights are conducted — Arrest — Seizure of birds or animals.
Any deputy sheriff, town sergeant, town constable, police officer, or any officer authorized to serve criminal process may enter any place, building, or tenement anywhere within the state where there is an exhibition of the fighting of birds or animals, or where preparations are being made for that exhibition, and, without a warrant, arrest all persons present and take possession of the birds or animals engaged in fighting and all birds or animals found there and intended to be used or engaged in fighting. Those persons shall be kept in custody in jail or other convenient place not more than twenty-four (24) hours, Sundays and legal holidays excepted, at or before the expiration of which time those persons shall be brought before a district court or the superior court and proceeded against according to law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 114, § 11; P.L. 1898, ch. 548, § 3; P.L. 1900, ch. 747, § 2; C.P.A.
1905, § 1216; G.L. 1909, ch. 138, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 141, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 640,
§ 11; G.L. 1956, § 4-1-12; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 10; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 2; P.L.
2015, ch. 275, § 2.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 4-1-12
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-12 cover?
Section 4-1-12 ("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 § 4-1-12?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-12" (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 § 4-1-12 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.