Rhode Island § 4-26-4 - The Rhode Island Livestock Welfare and Care Standards Advisory Council Act of 2012

§ 4-26-4. Advisory council established.

(a) There is established a livestock care standards advisory council consisting of the state veterinarian, or his or her designee, who shall serve as the chairperson and six (6) public members appointed by the director as follows:

(1) A representative from the Rhode Island farm bureau, or his or her designee, who shall serve as secretary;

(2) A representative from the Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or his or her designee;

(3) A Rhode island based livestock farmer, or his or her designee;

(4) A representative from the University of Rhode Island department of environment and life sciences, or his or her designee;

(5) A representative from a Rhode Island nonprofit animal welfare entity, or his or her designee; and

(6) A representative from a national nonprofit animal welfare entity.

(b) Two (2) of those new members first appointed by the director shall serve initial terms of three (3) years; two (2) of those new members first appointed by the director shall serve an initial term of two (2) years; and two (2) of those new members, appointed by the director shall serve an initial term of one year. Thereafter, all appointed members of the advisory council shall be appointed to serve for terms of three (3) years. The members are eligible to succeed themselves. A vacancy other than by expiration shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment but only for the unexpired portion of the term.

(c) The director may remove any member from the council for neglect of any duty required by law, or for incompetence, or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.

(d) The members of the council shall receive no compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses while engaged in the performance of official duties of the council.

(e) The council shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or four (4) members of the council. A majority of seats filled shall constitute a quorum.

(f) The council shall receive staff and administrative support from the department. The director shall furnish the advisory board a suitable location to hold its meeting.

(g) All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information, documentation, and otherwise to the council and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the council to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.