2015 -- H 5505

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LC001078

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE

     Introduced By: Representatives Serpa, Shekarchi, O'Brien, Kazarian, and McKiernan

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2015

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 4-1.1-1, 4-1.1-2, 4-1.1-3, 4-1.1-4 and 4-1.1-5 of the General Laws

in Chapter 4-1.1 entitled "Unlawful Confinement of a Covered Animal" are hereby amended to

read as follows:

     4-1.1-1. Definitions. -- For the purposes of this chapter:

      (1) "Calf raised for veal" means a calf of the bovine species kept for the purpose of

producing the food product referred to as veal.

      (2) "Crate" means a "gestation crate" for sows or a "veal crate" for calves.

     (2) “Covered animal” means any sow during gestation, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying

hen that is kept on a farm.

     (3) “Egg-laying hen” means any female domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, or

guinea fowl kept for the purpose of egg production.

     (4) “Enclosure” means any cage, crate, or other structure used to confine a covered

animal. Enclosure includes what is commonly described as a “gestation crate or stall” for sows

during gestation, a “veal crate” for calves raised for veal, or a “battery cage” for egg-laying hens.

      (3)(5) "Farm" means the land, building, support facilities, and other equipment that are

wholly or partially used for the commercial production of animals or animal products used for

food or fiber; and does not include live animal markets.

      (4)(6) "Farm owner or operator" means any person who owns or controls the operation

of a farm, and does not include any non-management employee, contractor, or consultant.

      (5)(7) "Fully extending the animal's limbs" means fully extending all limbs without

touching the side of an enclosure. In the case of egg-laying hens, "fully extending the animal’s

limbs" means fully spreading both wings without touching the side of an enclosure or other egg-

laying hens and having access to at least two hundred sixteen (216) square inches of usable floor

space per hen.

      (6)(8) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association,

limited liability company, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, or syndicate.

      (7)(9) "Sow during gestation" means a pregnant pig of the porcine species kept for the

purpose of breeding.

      (8)(10) "Turning around freely" means turning in a complete circle without any

impediment including a tether, and without touching the side of a crate an enclosure or another

animal.

     4-1.1-2. Purpose. -- The purpose of this chapter, subject to exceptions set forth in § 4-

1.1-4, is to prohibit the confinement of calves raised for veal and sows during gestation a covered

animal in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around fully, lying down, standing up or

fully extending the animal’s limbs.

     4-1.1-3. Unlawful confinement. -- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person

is guilty of unlawful confinement of a sow or calf covered animal if the person is a farm owner or

operator who knowingly tethers or confines any sow or calf covered animal in a manner that

prevents such animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up, or fully extending the

animal's limbs.

     4-1.1-4. Exceptions. -- This section shall not apply:

      (1) During medical research.

      (2) Temporary confinement prior to and during examination, testing, individual

treatment or operation for veterinary purposes.

      (3) During transportation.

      (4) During rodeo exhibitions, state or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar

exhibitions or educational programs.

      (5) During temporary confinement for animal husbandry purposes for no more than six

(6) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian.

      (6) During the humane slaughter of a sow or pig covered animal accordance with the

provisions of chapter 4-17, and other applicable laws and regulations.

      (7) To a sow during the fourteen (14) day period prior to the sows expected date of

giving birth and extending for a duration of time until the piglets are weaned. This period may be

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modified upon the order of a licensed veterinarian.

      (8) To calves being trained to exhibit.

      (9) To calves being trained to accept routine confinement in dairy and beef housing.

     4-1.1-5. Penalty. -- (a) The provisions of this chapter are in addition to, and not in lieu of,

any other laws protecting animal welfare. This chapter may not be construed to limit any other

state laws or rules protecting the welfare of animals or to prevent a local governing body from

adopting and enforcing its own animal welfare laws and regulations.

      (b) It is not an affirmative defense to alleged violations of this chapter that the calf or

sow covered animal was kept as part of an agricultural operation and in accordance with

customary animal husbandry or farming practices.

      (c) Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter or any rules or regulations

promulgated hereunder shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor exceeding five

hundred dollars ($500), or both.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect one year after its passage and enactment.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE

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     This act would make changes in the definitions of what constitutes unlawful confinement,

and would apply them throughout the chapter accordingly.

     This act would take effect one year after its passage and enactment.

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