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:

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

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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

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

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contact with an elephant may not:

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     (1) Use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device designed

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to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant; or

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     (2) Permit an employee, agent, or contractor to use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe

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handle, pitchfork, or similar device designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or

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controlling the behavior of an elephant.

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     (b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than

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five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or by both

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such fine and imprisonment.

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     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.

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     This act would take effect on January 1, 2017.

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LC005572

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