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2012 -- S 2192 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED | |
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LC00177/SUB A | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
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IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
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JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012 | |
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A N A C T | |
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RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY | |
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Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Walaska, McCaffrey, and Bates | |
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Date Introduced: January 24, 2012 | |
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Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture | |
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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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4-1-6.1. Operating upon tails of bovines prohibited. -- (a) Any person who |
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intentionally cuts or alters the bone, tissues, muscles or tendons of the tail of any bovine or |
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otherwise operates upon it in any manner for the purpose or with the effect of docking, setting, or |
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otherwise altering the natural carriage of the tail, or who knowingly permits the same to be done |
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upon the premises of which he or she is the owner, lessee, proprietor or user, or who assists in or |
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is voluntarily present at such cutting or alteration, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by |
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imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars |
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($500), or both. If any bovine is found with the bone, tissues, muscles or tendons of its tail cut or |
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altered as aforesaid upon the premises or in the charge and custody of any person, and the wound |
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resulting therefrom is unhealed, such fact may be evidence of a violation of this section by the |
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owner or user of such premises, or the person having such charge or custody. |
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(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to tail docking |
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performed by a veterinarian for veterinary purposes, provided that the procedure is performed |
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under the following conditions: |
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(1) The animal has been adequately anesthetized to minimize the animal’s pain and |
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suffering during the treatment or operation. |
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(2) The procedure is done in a way that minimizes the long-term pain and suffering |
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resulting from the procedure. |
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(3) The veterinarian uses suitable instruments. |
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(4) The procedure is done under hygienic conditions. |
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(c) The owner of any bovine with a docked tail who purchased the bovine in a state |
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where tail docking is legal shall be exempt from prosecution under this section. |
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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LC00177/SUB A | |
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EXPLANATION | |
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BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
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OF | |
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A N A C T | |
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RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY | |
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This act would prohibit the docking and altering of the tails of bovines except under |
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certain conditions. |
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This act would take effect upon passage. |
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LC00177/SUB A | |
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