Rhode Island § 4-1-26 - Cruelty to Animals
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-26 — Cruelty to Animals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-1-26. Cruelty to Animals
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-26
§ 4-1-26. Abandonment of animals.
(a) If any person having possession and/or control of an animal abandons that animal on a street, road, highway, or in a public place or on private property or from a motor vehicle, or in a dwelling or any other building or structure without providing for the care of that animal, the person shall be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-2 for each such offense. If this abandonment results in the death of the animal, the person shall be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-5. Abandonment means the relinquishment of all right, title, claim, or possession of the animal with the intention of not reclaiming it or resuming its ownership or possession.
(b) Any pound or animal shelter as defined under § 4-19-2, shall deem abandoned any animal impounded and not redeemed by its owner within ten (10) days of impoundment if such animal is wearing identification. Any animal impounded and not wearing identification shall be deemed abandoned if not redeemed by its owner within five (5) days of impoundment. Any animal deemed abandoned shall become the property of the impounding agency and may be adopted.
(c) Any pound or animal shelter shall make a prompt and reasonable attempt to locate and notify the owner of the impounded animal, including scanning the animal for a microchip.
(d) It shall not be considered abandonment, and the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and of § 4-24-8 shall not apply to any person who traps unowned feral or free roaming cats, causes those cats to be spayed or neutered, and subsequently releases those cats, provided:
(1) Any medical or surgical procedures performed on those cats are performed by a licensed veterinarian; and
(2) The cats are returned to the property where they were trapped.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 329, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 337, § 1; P.L. 2017,
ch. 358, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 456, § 1, effective July 5, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 457,
§ 1, effective July 5, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 4-1-26
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-26 cover?
Section 4-1-26 ("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 § 4-1-26?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 4-1-26" (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 § 4-1-26 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.