2016 -- S 2868

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LC005572

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

     Introduced By: Senators Archambault, Lombardi, Ruggerio, Conley, and Kettle

     Date Introduced: March 31, 2016

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-1 of the General Laws entitled "Cruelty to Animals" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     4-1-43. Use of bullhooks or similar devices on elephants prohibited. – (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who houses, possesses, or is in direct

contact with an elephant may 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) 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.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2017.

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LC005572

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

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     This act would prohibit the use of bullhooks or similar devices on elephants.

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2017.

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LC005572

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