Rhode Island § 4-4-3 - Animal Diseases in General
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 4-4-3 — Animal Diseases in General, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-4-3. Animal Diseases in General
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-4-3
§ 4-4-3. Reporting of diseased animals — Destruction.
Any owner of an animal suspected of having an animal disease determined by the director of environmental management to be contagious or injurious to public health or to the health of other animals, or any veterinarian who treats that animal, or any other person or institution having knowledge of a diseased animal, shall make a report of that information to the state department of environmental management in any manner and form as the department prescribes by regulation. The director of environmental management shall promulgate by rule a list of those animals determined to be contagious or injurious. The director of environmental management, if he or she determines an animal to have a contagious or communicable disease, shall cause that animal to be killed and the carcass to be disposed of in any manner as not to be detrimental to the public health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 99, § 10; P.L. 1904, ch. 1156, § 1; P.L. 1906, ch. 1354, § 1; G.L.
1909, ch. 120, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 241, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 241, § 9; P.L. 1927,
ch. 971, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 207, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956,
§ 4-4-3; P.L. 1962, ch. 42, § 1; P.L. 1962, ch. 80, § 12; P.L. 1963, ch. 74, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 4-4-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 4-4-3 cover?
Section 4-4-3 ("Animal Diseases in General") 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 § 4-4-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 4-4-3" (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 § 4-4-3 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.