R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-43
This is the official text of R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-43, part of Rhode Island’s Gen. Laws — part of the compiled statutory law of Rhode Island, published by the state as "Gen. Laws." Browse the sections below, each linked to its official government source.
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§ 4-1-43. Use of bullhooks or similar devices on elephants prohibited.
Official statutory text
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who houses, possesses, or is in direct contact with an elephant utilized in a traveling show shall not:
(1) Use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant; or
(2) Permit an employee, agent, or contractor to use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant.
(b) For purposes of this section traveling show means a circus, public show, trade show, photographic opportunity, carnival, city or county fair, ride, parade, race, performance or similar undertaking that involves transporting elephants from location to location or otherwise moves elephants away from a place of permanent residency for performance purposes. The term traveling show does not include the transportation of an elephant between nonprofit United States Department of Agriculture licensed sanctuaries for the purpose of providing lifetime care.
(c) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(1) Use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant; or
(2) Permit an employee, agent, or contractor to use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant.
(b) For purposes of this section traveling show means a circus, public show, trade show, photographic opportunity, carnival, city or county fair, ride, parade, race, performance or similar undertaking that involves transporting elephants from location to location or otherwise moves elephants away from a place of permanent residency for performance purposes. The term traveling show does not include the transportation of an elephant between nonprofit United States Department of Agriculture licensed sanctuaries for the purpose of providing lifetime care.
(c) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site
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