Bill in Full:
2011 -- S 0458
=======
LC00423
=======
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2011
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Perry, Tassoni, and Miller
Date Introduced: March 10, 2011
Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1 SECTION 1. Chapter 4-1 of the General Laws entitled "Cruelty to Animals" is hereby
2 amended by adding thereto the following section:
3 4-1-6.1. Operating upon tails of cattle prohibited. --(a) Any person who cuts the bone,
4 tissues, muscles or tendons of the tail of any cattle or otherwise operates upon it in any manner
5 for the purpose or with the effect of docking, setting, or otherwise altering the natural carriage of
6 the tail, or who knowingly permits the same to be done upon premises of which he/she is the
7 owner, lessee, proprietor or user, or who assists in or is voluntarily present at such cutting, is
8 guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of
9 not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both. If a cow is found with the bone, tissues,
10 muscles or tendons of its tail cut as aforesaid and with the wound resulting therefrom unhealed,
11 upon the premises or in the charge and custody of any person, such fact shall be prima facie
12 evidence of a violation of this section by the owner or user of such premises or the person having
13 such charge or custody, respectively.
14 (b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to tail docking
15 performed during an individual treatment, emergency, or operation, if the treatment or operation
16 is performed by a veterinarian for veterinary purposes, provided that the treatment or operation is
17 performed under the following conditions:
18 (1) The animal has been adequately anesthetized to minimize the animal’s pain and
19 suffering during the treatment or operation.
(2) In such a way as to minimize the long-term pain and suffering resulting from the
treatment or operation.
(3) Using only suitable instruments.
(4) In hygienic conditions.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
|
