|
Law Enforcement and Cruelty Investigations
Sitemap Our 138 year history Current Cruelty Case - 2008 Success Stories and Photos |
Report Abuse |
| The RISPCA receives thousands of complaints
on animal cruelty. These complaints fall
into three major categories... Misguided Complaints: These are where the complainant incorrectly believes that a violation has occurred. The reporting person believes that the facts they are reporting justify the complaint. In most cases, after explaining the law to the complainant, they understand why their complaint does not meet the legal requirements for an investigation of animal cruelty. Vindictive Complaints: These are made to cause trouble, embarrassment or harassment. The reporting person knows the facts are not true. Legitimate Complaints: These are complaints based on known facts and if true may violate the law and require an investigation. Each city or town in Rhode Island has an Animal Control Officer or agreement with a neighboring town. Complaints should be directed to the Animal Control Officer in the city or town where you believe the violation is suspected. The RISPCA does initiate some investigations into animal cruelty; however, our role is to first assist and support the cities and towns with their investigations. The RISPCA will always speak to anyone who has a concern for the welfare of an animal and advise him or her on the best course of action to take in dealing with the problem. |
| Chapter 4-1 Cruelty to animals Section 4-1-21 4-1-21 - Powers of agents of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.- The general agent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and any number of special agents as may be appointed by that society have the same power and authority to arrest as any officer authorized to serve criminal process for the purpose of enforcing any laws of this state in relation to cruelty to animals, that power and authority to extend throughout the state, and they may serve any search warrant issued under 4-1-19 and may search any building or place named in that warrant. A general agent and any special agents may, for the purpose of carrying out their duties, possess and carry pistols as defined in 11-47-2, and the provisions of 11-47-5 shall not apply to them. Any person who interferes with or obstructs any of those agents in the discharge of their duty shall be guilty of obstructing an officer and punished as provided in 11-32-1. |