The text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Abandonment means the relinquishment of all right, title, claim, or relinquishment of possession of an animal with the intention of not reclaiming it or resuming its ownership or possession.
Adequate food means the provision at suitable intervals, not to exceed 24 hours, a quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition in each animal. The foodstuff shall be served in a sanitized receptacle, dish, or container.
Adequate shelter means access a structure that is the proper size for the dog, impervious to moisture, has protection from the direct rays of the sun, and has a wind break at the entrance. This includes but is not limited to a dog house, barn, garage, shed or other structure sufficient to protect the animal from wind, rain, snow, or sun that has adequate bedding to protect against cold and dampness.
Adequate water means a constant access to a supply of clean, fresh, potable water provided in a sanitary manner.
Adoptable animal means any animal legally allowed to be kept in the custody of the East Providence Animal Control Center; (a) which has been held beyond the statutory period as set forth in G.L. 1956 § 4-13-15 and § 4-22-5 or section 3-26 of this chapter; and (b) which has been deemed by the animal control officer, under the direction of a veterinarian, to be of reasonably sound health; and (c) which does not pose a threat to public safety.
Aggressive dog means: (1)
Any dog which makes (or poses) a threat of harmful behavior directed at a person or domestic animal. This includes, but is not limited to, such behavior as snarling, growling, snapping, nipping biting, and lunging. {Reference: article by Animal Behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman "Aggression in Dogs" from Tufts University Veterinary School.}
(2)
Any dog which is deemed to be a potential threat to public safety, due to aggressive behavior observed by the animal control officer.
Ambient temperature means the temperature surrounding the animal.
Animal control officer means the person employed by the city as its enforcement officer, including any police officer of the city.
At large means any dog or other animal off the property of his owner.
Attractant means any substance which could reasonably be expected to attract, or does attract, coyotes or other non-domesticated animals, including, but not limited to, garbage, food products, pet food, carcasses, feed, grain.
Breeder means a person engaged in the propagation of purebred or crossbred dogs and/or cats for the purpose of improving and enhancing a breed recognized and registered by the American Kennel Club, American Field Stud Book, or other breed or kennel club, or a registered cat breed association, or for sale at wholesale or retail, unless otherwise exempted as a hobby breeder as defined below.
Common property or common area means: (1)
Real property owned by "tenants in common," who each have an "undivided interest" in the entire property.
(2)
Property managed by a homeowners association in a condominium project or a subdivision development, which all owners may use and each owns a percentage interest.
(3)
Lands owned by the government for public (common) use, like parks and national forests.
(4)
Any area where access is permitted and/or necessary by more than one resident of a property, or an area of shared property, i.e., a single yard at a two-family house, or the grounds of a housing or condominium complex, or a hallway of an apartment building.
Collared means the wearing around the neck of a collar with a dog license attached and a valid rabies tag attached and/or a separate tag with the name, address, and phone number of the owner or keeper distinctly impressed thereon.
Disability has the same meaning as set forth in the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990," 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq., as amended.
Dog park means any park, or section of a park, designated by the director of department of public works, where the definition of "restraint" is relaxed to mean when a dog is under verbal control of its owner, and where dogs may be allowed to nm freely without being leashed.
Dog pound means any premises designated by action of the city for the purpose of impounding and caring for all animals found running at large in violation of this chapter. The terms pound, animal pound, animal control center will have the same meaning as dog pound; these terms may be used interchangeably.
Enclosure means a fence or structure of at least six feet in height, forming or causing an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children and suitable to confine an aggressive or vicious dog in conjunction with other measures which may be taken by the owner or keeper, such as tethering of the aggressive or vicious dog. Such enclosure shall be securely enclosed and locked.
Exposed to rabies shall be defined by the current legal guidelines set forth by the Rhode Island Rabies Management Protocol.
Feeding means: (1)
To give food to, or the act of giving sustenance or nourishment to,
(2)
The leaving of food of any kind where it is accessible to coyotes or other non-domesticated animals.
Food means: (1)
Any nutritious substance that animals eat or drink in order to maintain life and growth, for the context of article VI, all substances consumed by humans or animals for nourishment except grass and other vegetation, growing crops, and food that is canned or stored in sealed or closable containers.
Guardian means a person(s) having the same rights and responsibilities of an owner, and both terms shall be used interchangeably. A guardian shall also mean a person who possesses, has title to or an interest in, harbors or has control, custody or possession of an animal and who is responsible for an animal's safety and well-being.
Hobby breeder means those persons whose regular occupation is not the breeding and raising of dogs or cats and whose method of sale is at retail only. A hobby breeder shall not exceed selling 20 dogs or cats, or three litters, whichever is greater, in a single calendar year. Any person who sells at retail a number in excess of these limits or who sells any number of pets commercially shall be considered a breeder.
Kennel means any person engaged in the commercial business of breeding, buying, selling or boarding dogs.
Leashed means a dog has a cord or chain, no longer than six feet in length, attached to its collar or harness and is held in the hand by the owner or a competent person leading such dog.
Minimum care means care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of an animal and, except for emergency circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the owner and/or guardian, includes, but is not limited to, the requirements set forth in section 3-24.
Minimum veterinary care means veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to relieve distress from injury, neglect, or disease.
Neutered male means any male animal surgically rendered unable to reproduce.
Owner means: (1)
Any person who keeps, has permanent custody, owns, maintains, harbors, provides care or sustenance for, has control or charge of or responsibility for an animal or permits an animal to habitually remain on or be lodged or fed within such person's property or premises; and
(2)
Any person who refuses to permit any animal control officer to impound such animal shall be deemed as evidence of ownership unless ownership of the animal by another party is established.
Restraint means when a pet is leashed, carried, contained in a crate or "pet carrier" designed to hold animals, or within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets or within the property limits of its owner or keeper.
Service dog has the same meaning as set forth in the implementing regulations of Title II and Title III of the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990," 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.
Service dog in training means a dog or puppy that has been selected for service dog work and is being handled by a service dog trainer.
Service dog trainer means a competent dog trainer who is providing individual training of a dog or puppy with the intention of having the dog or puppy become a working service dog that will perform tasks for a disabled person.
Spayed female means any female animal which has been operated upon to prevent conception.
Tether means the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake by a chain, rope or other cord type device as a means of controlling or restraining the dog. A dog being walked on a leash is not tethered.
Veterinarian means a person licensed to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry in this state who is a graduate of an accredited veterinary medical, surgical, and dental school or college of a standard recognized by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association.
Vicious dog means: (1)
Any dog that, when unprovoked, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks, common property or common area, or any public grounds or places, or which has been determined to be vicious according to G.L. § 4-13.1-11.
(2)
Any dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury, or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals, or which has been determined to be vicious according to G.L. § 4-13.1-11.
(3)
Any dog that bites, inflicts injury, assaults, or otherwise attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation on public or private or common property or which has been determined to be vicious according to G.L. § 4-13.1-11.
(4)
Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or any dog trained for dog fighting.
(Ch. 449, § I, 5-6-08; Ch. 557, § I, 6-5-12; Ch. 755, § I, 12-3-19; Ch. 773, § I, 6-16-20; Ch. 806, § I, 7-20-21)
Cross reference— Rules of construction and definitions, § 1-2.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, §§ 4-1-2, 4-13.1, 4-19.