Rules and Regulations Governing Animal Care Facilities (250-RICR-40-05-4)

These rules and regulations are established to provide minimum standards to govern all licensed or registered animal care facilities. They will serve as standards for the construction and maintenance of such facilities, the care of animals in those facilities, as well as the criteria for inspectors to use when conducting inspections for licensure or in response to a complaint concerning their operation. They must be considered minimum standards that must be maintained.

These rules and regulations are promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.1, Environmental Management, and R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-13 and Chapter 42-35, Administrative Procedures.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is charged with ensuring the welfare of animals that are kept in kennels, pet shops, pounds, animal shelters, breeding facilities, and in the custody of brokers and rescues. The standards for animal care are constantly improving and evolving. The residents of the state are generally concerned for the welfare of the animals that are kept by these entities and in fact, the Department often receives complaints from concerned individuals that animals are not being properly cared for. These rules and regulations will provide minimum standards for the care of animals to ensure the welfare of those animals.

The terms and provisions of these rules and regulations shall be liberally construed to permit the Department to effectuate the purpose of state law, goals, and policies. These Regulations shall apply to any person or entity that is licensed or registered as a kennel, pet shop, pound, animal shelter, breeder, broker, rescue, or any other entity required to be licensed or registered pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-19.

A.The following words when used in the rules shall have the following meaning:

1."Animal" or "Animals" means any dog or cat, rabbit, rodent, nonhuman primate, bird or other warm-blooded vertebrate, amphibian, fish or reptile but shall not include horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and domestic fowl.

2."Animal care facility" means any facility that is required to be licensed or registered pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-19.

3."Animal control officer" means any person employed by a city or town as a canine control officer, dog warden, or police officer responsible for animal control delegated authority by the Rhode Island Rabies Control Board.

4."Animal shelter" means a facility which is used to house or contain animals and which is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.

5."Authorized agent" means an employee of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management who is engaged in the execution of their official duties.

6."Breeder" means a person engaged in the propagation of purebred or crossbred dogs and/or cats for the purpose of improving and enhancing a breed recognized and registered by the American Kennel Club, American Field Stud Book, a registered cat breed association, or for sale at wholesale or retail, unless otherwise exempted by breeding fewer than three (3) litters per year or produces fewer than twenty (20) individual puppies or kittens for the purpose of sale.

7."Broker" means any third party who arranges, delivers, or otherwise facilitates transfer of ownership of animal(s), through adoption or fostering, from one party to another, whether or not the party receives a fee for providing that service and whether or not the party takes physical possession of the animal(s) at any point.

8.“Dealer” means any person who sells, exchanges, or donates, or offers to sell, exchange, or donate, animals to another dealer, pet shop, or research facility, or who breeds animals for the purpose of selling or donating to another dealer or pet shop or research facility.

9."Department" means the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

10."Enclosure" means the most proximal barrier to an animal that will have the intended purpose or effect of containment of that animal or that will effectively restrict the liberty of the animal.

11."Environmental police officer" means a sworn officer of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Law Enforcement.

12."Guardian" means a person(s) having the same rights and responsibilities as an owner or keeper, and the terms may be used interchangeably. A guardian shall also mean a person who possesses, has title to or an interest in, harbors or has control, custody or possession of an animal and who is responsible for an animal's safety and well-being.

13."Kennel" means a place or establishment other than a pound, animal shelter, or veterinary hospital that is housing animals during their treatment, where animals not owned by the proprietor are sheltered, fed, and watered in return for a fee.

14."Owner" or "Keeper" means any person or agency keeping, harboring or having charge or control of or responsibility for control of an animal or any person or agency which permits any dog, cat, ferret, or domestic animal to habitually be fed within that person's yard or premises. This term shall not apply to veterinary facilities, any licensed boarding kennel, municipal pound, pet shop, or animal shelter.

15."Pet shop" means a temporary or permanent establishment where animals are bought, sold, exchanged, or offered for sale or exchange to the general public at retail. This shall not include an establishment or person whose total sales are the offspring of canine or feline females maintained on their premises and sold from those premises.

16."Pound" means a facility operated by a state, or any political subdivision of a state, for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals or a facility operated for that purpose under a contract with any municipal corporation or incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

17."Records" means information that is kept in a paper or electronic format that is consistent with the information that is required to be kept for animals. The information must be kept in a format and that is readily able to be inspected by anyone authorized to conduct an inspection. All information must be kept in or translated to English prior to being presented to inspectors.

18."Rescue" means an entity, with or without a physical brick and mortar facility which is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals intended for adoption.

19."RISPCA" means the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

20."Seized" means the lawful removal of an owned animal from the premises where the animal resided or from the care of an owner or guardian.

21."Seller" means the owner of a pet shop and the owner’s agents, employees, subordinates, volunteers, and workers.

22."Stray" means an animal that is:

a.On the premises of a person other than an owner of the animal, without the consent of an occupant or owner of such premises, or

b.On a public street or highway, on public or private school grounds, or in any other public place, except when under the physical control of an owner.

23."Surrendered" means an animal that has had ownership transferred to a pound, shelter, or rescue by the animal’s owner or guardian, and the owner or guardian has relinquished all ownership rights to the entity that received the animal.

24."USDA" means the United States Department of Agriculture.

A.All of the entities listed below must keep records as described in the specific subsections below. The records must be physically maintained on the premises where the animals are kept (or if the location where the animals are kept is not at the address of the licensed entity, a copy of the records must be kept on the premises where the animals are kept and at the address of the licensed entity), or be able to be accessed from that location during an inspection, or must be able to be accessed by inspectors via an internet reporting system. The records must be produced immediately upon the request of authorized inspectors or agents from the Department; or from the RISPCA pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 4-19-15 and 4-25-4; or from the animal control officer with jurisdiction over the municipality where the pet store is located pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-4.

B.Record keeping by pet shops and breeders: pet shops and breeders must keep the following records for all dogs and cats offered for sale:

1.The date of the animal's birth, if known; the breeders name and address, if known; and the date the seller received the animal, if not bred by the seller. If the seller does not know the name and address of the breeder, then the seller must provide the name and address of the person who sold or gave the animal to the seller. For dogs and cats this information must be clearly displayed on the enclosure where the animal is being kept.

2.The breed, sex and color of the animal, and identifying marks, if any, existing at the time of sale. If the animal is from a United States Department of Agriculture licensed source, the statement shall contain the individual identifying tag, tattoo or collar number for that animal. If the breed is unknown or mixed, the statement must so indicate.

3.If the animal is being sold as registerable, the names and registration numbers of the sire and dam and the litter number.

4.A record of any inoculations and worming treatments administered to the animal as of the time of sale including dates of administration and the type of vaccine or worming treatment.

5.A record of any diagnosis, treatment or medication received by the animal from a licensed veterinarian while in the possession of the seller or any prior veterinary history of the animal of which the seller may be aware.

C.Record keeping by pounds, shelters, rescues, and brokers: the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-12 and the provisions of § 1.8 of this Subchapter (250-RICR-40-05-1), all pounds, animal shelters, rescues, and brokers must keep the following records:

1.For animals that are seized or surrendered, reason for seizure (if seized) or surrender (if surrendered), location of seizure (if seized) or impoundment (if stray), the owner's name and address if known and all license or other identification numbers if any.

2.Animal ID shall include the animal’s microchip number (if available), and the animal’s description, to include: name (if named), animal species, approximate age, gender, predominate color, and predominate breed.

3.The source of the animal and the contact information of the source, where known, including the name, physical address, mailing address, and phone number.

4.When disposed of by adoption, the record shall include the adopter’s name, mailing address, physical address, and phone number.

5.When disposed of by any means other than those listed above, the record shall include the details of disposition.

6.An animal shelter, pound, or rescue that receives a cat without an identifiable owner from a source other than an animal control officer and provides the cat an outcome other than sterilization, vaccination, and return to the location where it was found shall, within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the cat and for the purpose of pet reunification, provide email notification to animal control (or police department if no animal control officer or department) in the town where the animal was found, trapped, or caught that includes:

a.The address or precise description of the location, including the nearest cross street, where the cat was found, trapped, or caught;

b.The name and contact information for the animal shelter, pound, or rescue that has physical custody of the cat.

c.The date the cat was found, trapped, or caught;

d.A physical description of the cat to include the estimated age, sex, color, eye color, coat length, weight, markings, and microchip number if available;

e.Clear digital photographs of the cat including at least three views: a full body photo from the right, a full body photo from left, and a photo of the face.

f.Nothing in this paragraph shall conflict with the timely and appropriate care of sick or injured animals pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 4-1-22 and 4-1-23.

7.An animal shelter, pound, or rescue that receives a cat without an identifiable owner from a source other than an animal control officer and provides the cat an outcome other than sterilization, vaccination, and return to the location where it was found shall require the person or organization surrendering the cat to sign a statement attesting the person found, trapped, or caught the cat on public property or, if on private property other than their own, that the person or organization has the express authority of the private property’s owner, manager, or lawful occupant to trap and remove the cat and the statement must include the name and contact information of the private property’s owner, manager, or lawful occupant. Nothing in this paragraph shall conflict with the timely and appropriate care of sick or injured animals pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-22 and 4-1-23.

8.Once an animal control agency or police department has received the information specified in paragraph 6, the agency will use its best efforts to make that information available to the public proactively or by request within a reasonable time so that owners of lost or displaced cats can identify the whereabouts of their pets and take steps to reclaim them. If the animal control agency has a website, the information collected in § 4.6(C)(6)(a) through (e) of this Part above must be posted there within 24 hours of receipt of that information.

A.General Standards applicable for all species. Additional species-specific standards are addressed in § 4.8 of this Part below.

B.The temperature within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that individual, warm-blooded animals will remain thermo-neutral and comfortable. Cold-blooded animals must be provided with a temperature gradient to allow for proper thermoregulation of the particular species.

C.The ventilation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that odors, ammonia, and moisture are kept within levels that will be comfortable and not harmful to the animals living in and people working in the facility. Adequacy of ventilation may be determined subjectively by inspectors or objectively by calculation or other qualitative air quality measurement as appropriate.

D.The drainage within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that there is no standing water or pooling of urine within any animal enclosure.

E.The sanitation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure a clean and healthy environment for animals and for personnel. Surfaces must be constructed and maintained in a manner that allows for sufficient cleaning and sanitation as to prevent disease. All animal contact surfaces must be non-porous or be easily disposed of if contaminated or soiled.

F.The lighting within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure a safe working environment for personnel and allow for adequate inspection of all animals. Lighting must also include attention to species requirements for normal photoperiod and spectrum requirements to ensure the health of the individual species.

G.The minimum space requirements within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to provide minimum areas for animals to be able to make normal postural adjustments, maintain comfort, and exhibit normal behavior.

H.The construction and maintenance of facility of the animal’s living quarters must account the animals’ safety as well as the safety of personnel, including assurances that the facility is escape proof.

I.All animals’ living quarters must be maintained such that the animals are maintained free of obvious signs of infectious/contagious diseases, injury, or other conditions detrimental to their health and well-being. A veterinarian must be consulted for any animal with signs that are potentially afflicted with an infectious/contagious disease, or is injured, or is afflicted with another condition that is detrimental to its health and well-being. Such consultation must occur within a timeframe where the afflicted animal’s condition will not worsen and/or the animal will not unduly suffer. Proof of all vaccinations as required by R.I. Gen. Laws must be maintained on premises for review.

A.Dogs

1.The temperature within the animal’s living quarters shall be maintained between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height at which the animals live. Temperature standards are applicable for dogs whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a.If the temperature falls below 45 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b.If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

2.The ventilation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that noxious, contaminated, or harmful odors or fumes are not present in the area where animals are housed. Ventilation shall be draft free and may consist of passive or active systems.

3.Sanitation

a.Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted within the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b.Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c.All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time, and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d.All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4.Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all dogs to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5.Minimum Space Requirements for Primary Enclosures:

a.A separate primary enclosure must be available for every dog excluding bitches with litters, which can occupy the same primary enclosure.

b.Sufficient space shall be provided to allow animals to turn around freely, exercise normal movements, stand, sit, and lie in a comfortable natural position.

c.The minimum height of the primary enclosure shall be equal to 1.5 times the height of the dog at the shoulder plus six (6) inches or a minimum of eighteen (18) inches.

d.The minimum area of the primary enclosure shall be equal to the length of the dog measured in inches from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, plus six inches multiplied by the length of the dog measured in inches from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, plus six (6) inches. (length of dog in inches + 6) X (length of dog in inches + 6) = area.

6.Multiple Dogs Occupying the Same Enclosure:

a.If more than one dog occupies a primary enclosure, floor space will be calculated for the largest dog, with each additional dog needing one half of the minimum space required.

b.Dogs occupying the same enclosure shall be behaviorally compatible.

c.Females in estrus (heat) shall be housed apart from males (unless breeding is intended).

d.Pregnant dogs in whelp or by estimate close to whelping shall be housed in a separate enclosure.

e.Dogs under four (4) months of age shall be housed in a primary enclosure apart from adult dogs other than their mother.

f.Whelping areas shall allow the mother to lie stretched out on her side thus permitting all of the puppies to nurse. A whelping box shall be provided for all pregnant bitches and bitches with puppies. The primary enclosure for bitches with litters shall be large enough to permit the bitch to leave the whelping nest for exercise.

g.Under no circumstances are dogs owned by different owners allowed to be housed together in the same primary enclosure without the expressed written permission of the owners or legal guardians of all dogs to be housed together.

7.Exercise: If multiple dogs are exercised simultaneously in the same area the following conditions must be met:

a.All dogs must be exercised in behaviorally compatible groups.

b.All dogs must be observed for the entire time that they are being exercised. An adult person who is sufficiently capable of maintaining order and avoiding any conflict between individual dogs must observe dogs that are being exercised together.

c.Each dog must have a minimum area of twenty-four (24) square feet.

8.Safety

a.All enclosures must be escape proof.

b.Dogs must not be allowed to have contact with hazardous materials, objects, fixtures, chemicals, or substances.

c.All enclosures must be constructed and maintained so as to prevent entry of other animals or vermin.

d.Wire mesh floors are permissible provided that the gauge of the wire is sufficient so as to not cause discomfort for the animal, provided that the spacing of the mesh is not so large that the dog’s foot can pass through, and provided that the construction is sturdy enough so that the mesh floor does not sag.

9.Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of dogs while in their living quarters shall apply for dogs while being transported within the state.

10.Prohibited Actions:

a.Contact, by the public or any other animal, with an animal, or the saliva of an animal that is being held for rabies quarantine.

b.Holding an animal for rabies quarantine in a facility that has not received prior approval by the state veterinarian or his/her agent to conduct such rabies quarantine.

c.Possession of a dog for more than fourteen consecutive days that is eligible to be rabies vaccinated but is not currently vaccinated against rabies unless lawfully exempted. (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-13).

d.Possession of any dog that has been imported into the state in violation of state importation regulations.

11.Exemptions

a.Exemptions from the minimum requirements may be granted for the temporary emergency housing of dogs as authorized by the state veterinarian.

b.Exemptions from the minimum space and exercise requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis for veterinary medical treatment or as is authorized in writing by a veterinarian licensed to practice within the state of Rhode Island.

B.Cats

1.The temperature within the animal’s living quarters shall be maintained between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for cats whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a.If the temperature falls below 45 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b.If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

2.The ventilation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that noxious, contaminated, or harmful odors or fumes are not present in the area where animals are housed. Ventilation shall be draft free and may consist of passive or active systems.

3.Sanitation:

a.Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b.Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c.All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d.All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

e.All cats and kittens must have access to a litter box or pan. The litter box or pan must contain a suitable litter and be maintained as stated above in § 4.8(B)(3)(a) of this Part.

f.Litter boxes or pans must be a minimum of ten (10) inches by fourteen inches in dimension.

g.A minimum of one litter box or pan must be provided for every three adult cats, or every five weaned/orphaned kittens, if the cats are housed in a manner where multiple cats use the same enclosure. Queens with a litter can share the same litter box.

4.Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all cats to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5.Minimum Space Requirements for primary enclosures:

a.Individual cats use following table.

b.Multiple cats may share a primary enclosure if they are compatible and the area of the enclosure is increased by one-half of the minimum area referenced in § 4.8(B)(5)(a) of this Part.

c.Pregnant queens and queens with litters are not to be housed in the same primary enclosure with other cats.

d.Queens with litters (litters of any size) are required to have a minimum area of eight square feet until the kittens reach an age of ten weeks.

e.The minimum height for enclosures for all cats is twenty-two (22) inches.

f.Multiple cats may be kept in colony/common housing provided that:

(1)All cats have an individual primary enclosure available on the premises.

(2)The minimum colony enclosure shall be thirty-six (36) square feet of floor space and a minimum of six (6) feet in height.

(3)Cats must be of compatible behavior and sex (intact sexually mature males and intact sexually mature females should not be allowed in colony housing), and temperament. Kittens (less than six (6) months of age) are not permitted to be housed in a colony with adult cats.

(4)The number of cats allowed into the colony is not to exceed one cat per ten (10) square feet of floor space for adult cats; one cat per seven and one-half (7 1/2) square feet of floor space for kittens (less than six (6) months of age).

6.Safety:

a.Mesh floors are not acceptable for housing of cats.

b.All enclosures must be escape proof.

c.Cats must not be allowed to have contact with hazardous materials, objects, chemicals, fixtures, or substances.

d.All enclosures must prevent the entry of other animals or vermin.

7.Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of cats while in their living quarters shall apply for cats while being transported within the state.

8.Prohibited Actions

a.Contact, by the public or any other animal, with an animal, or the saliva of an animal that is being held for rabies quarantine.

b.Holding an animal for rabies quarantine in a facility that has not received prior approval by the state veterinarian or his/her agent to conduct such rabies quarantine.

c.Possession of a sexually intact cat unless possession is consistent with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-24.

d.Possession of a cat for more than fourteen consecutive days that is eligible to be vaccinated against rabies but is not currently vaccinated. (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-13).

e.Possession of any cat that has been imported into the state in violation of state importation regulations.

9.Exemptions

a.Exemptions from the minimum requirements may be granted for the temporary emergency housing of cats as authorized by the state veterinarian.

b.Exemptions from the minimum space and exercise requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis for veterinary medical treatment or as is authorized in writing by a veterinarian licensed to practice within the state of Rhode Island.

C.Rabbits

1.The temperature within the animal’s living quarters shall be maintained between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for rabbits whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a.If the temperature falls below 50 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b.If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

2.The ventilation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that noxious, contaminated, or harmful odors or fumes are not present in the area where animals are housed. Ventilation shall be draft free and may consist of passive or active systems.

3.Sanitation

a.Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b.Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c.All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d.All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4.Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all rabbits to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5.Minimum Space Requirements:

a.For general space requirements for primary enclosures please use the following: (weight is to be measured in pounds; area is to be measured in square feet).

b.For general space requirements for does with litters please use the following: (weight is to be measured in pounds; area is to be measured in square feet).

c.The minimum height for all rabbit enclosures shall be fourteen (14) inches or allow the rabbit to stand on hind legs without their head touching the top of the enclosure.

d.A nesting box that is a minimum of eighteen (18) inches length, by eighteen (18) inches width, by eighteen (18) inches height must be provided for all pregnant does and does with litters.

e.Wire mesh floors must not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the entire floor surface of the primary enclosure. The remainder must be a solid surface.

f.Multiple rabbits may be housed together provided that:

(1)They are housed in compatible groups based on size, age, sex, and temperament. Intact sexually mature bucks should only be housed with intact sexually mature does if breeding is desired.

(2)No more than twenty-five (25) rabbits of any age may be housed in the same primary enclosure regardless of the size of the enclosure.

(3)If more than one rabbit occupies a primary enclosure, floor space will be calculated for the largest rabbit, with each additional rabbit needing one half of the minimum floor space required.

6.Safety

a.Wire mesh floors are acceptable for use in rabbit housing provided that the space between the wires that make up the mesh is no greater than one-half (1/2) inch by one-half (1/2) inch, and in no case should allow the foot of a rabbit to pass through it.

b.All enclosures must be escape proof.

c.Rabbits must not be allowed to have contact with hazardous materials, objects, chemicals, fixtures, or substances.

d.All enclosures must prevent the entry of other animals or vermin.

7.Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of rabbits while in their living quarters shall apply for rabbits while being transported within the state.

8.Prohibited Actions:

a.Housing rabbits in the line of sight with carnivores.

b.Use of cedar shavings, rugs, carpets, or clumping cat litter is prohibited for use in the housing of rabbits or as bedding.

c.Retail sale of rabbits for use as pets unless the owner of the rabbits is in possession of a valid pet shop license pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-19. Retail sale of rabbits intended to be slaughtered as livestock is permissible without a pet shop license.

d.Use of aquaria for primary enclosures of rabbits is prohibited.

9.Exemptions

a.Exemptions from the minimum requirements may be granted for the temporary emergency housing of rabbits as authorized by the state veterinarian.

b.Exemptions from the minimum space requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis for veterinary medical treatment or as is authorized in writing by a veterinarian licensed to practice within the state of Rhode Island.

D.Rats and Mice

1.The temperature within the animal’s living quarters shall be maintained between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for rats and mice whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a.If the temperature falls below 60 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b.If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

2.The ventilation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that noxious, contaminated, or harmful odors or fumes are not present in the area where animals are housed. Ventilation shall be draft free and may consist of passive or active systems.

3.Sanitation

a.Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b.Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c.All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d.All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4.Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all rats/mice to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5.Minimum Space Requirements

a.Minimum space requirements for mice is as follows: In no case will the space requirement be less than one (1) sq. foot; the minimum height for mouse enclosures shall be no less than six (6) inches and must allow the mouse to stand in its hind legs without head touching the top of the enclosure.

b.Minimum space requirements for rats is as follows: The minimum height of rat enclosures shall be nine (9) inches.

6.Safety

a.Wire mesh floors are not permitted for housing rats and mice.

b.All enclosures must be escape proof.

c.All enclosures must prevent entry of other animals and vermin.

7.Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of rats and mice while in their living quarters shall apply for rats and mice while being transported within the state.

8.Prohibited Actions

a.Housing rats and mice in the line of sight of carnivores.

b.Use of cedar shavings, rugs, carpets, or clumping cat litter is prohibited for use in the housing of rats and mice.

c.When live rats and mice are used as feeders for reptiles and other animals, any rat or mouse that is not consumed by the animal within thirty (30) minutes is to be removed from the predator animal’s enclosure and returned to a proper enclosure for the rat or mouse. Upon return to that enclosure the animal must be cared for as defined in the above standards.

E.Hamsters/Gerbils and Guinea Pigs

1.The temperature within the animal’s living quarters shall be maintained between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a.If the temperature falls below 60 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b.If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

2.The ventilation within the animal’s living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that noxious, contaminated, or harmful odors or fumes are not present in the area where animals are housed. Ventilation shall be draft free and may consist of passive or active systems.

3.Sanitation:

a.Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b.Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c.All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

D.All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4.Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all hamsters/gerbils/guinea pigs to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5.Minimum Space Requirements

a.Minimum space requirements for guinea pigs is as follows: The minimum height of the primary enclosure shall be no less than nine (9) inches.

(1)A pregnant sow or sow with a litter must be housed in accordance with the above referenced standard provided that they are housed in a separate primary enclosure from other guinea pigs.

b.Minimum space requirements for hamsters/gerbils is as follows: In no case less than one (1) Sq. foot

(1)For hamsters the minimum height of the enclosure shall be nine inches.

(2)For gerbils the minimum height of the enclosure shall be six (6) inches.

(3)Pregnant hamsters and gerbils and/or hamsters and gerbils with a litter must be housed in accordance with the above referenced standard provided that they are housed in a separate primary enclosure from other hamsters and/or gerbils.

6.Safety

a.Cedar shavings shall not be used in or around guinea pig enclosures.

b.Wire mesh floors are not permitted for housing hamsters/gerbils or guinea pigs.

c.All enclosures must be escape proof.

d.All enclosures must prevent entry of other animals and vermin.

7.Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs while in their living quarters shall apply for hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs while being transported within the state.

8.Prohibited Actions

a.Housing hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs in the line of sight of carnivores.

b.Use of cedar shavings, rugs, carpets, or clumping cat litter is prohibited for use in the housing of hamsters, gerbils and guinea or as bedding.

A.Any municipality wishing to operate a pound may apply for a certificate of registration pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-3, Registration of Municipal Dog Pounds. The issuance of a certificate of registration authorizes the operation of a pound. Pound licenses expire annually on December 31. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

B.Any applicant wishing to operate an animal shelter may apply for a certificate of registration pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-4, Registration of Animal Shelters. The issuance of a certificate of registration authorizes the operation of an animal shelter. Animal shelter licenses expire annually on December 31. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

C.An applicant wishing to operate a pet shop may apply for a license pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-5, Pet Shop Licenses. The issuance of a pet shop license authorizes the operation of a pet shop. Pet shop licenses expire at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

D.An applicant wishing to operate as a breeder may apply for a license pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-5.1, Breeder Licenses. The issuance of a breeder license authorizes the operation of a facility as a breeder. Breeder licenses expire at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

E.An applicant wishing to operate as a dealer may apply for a license pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-7, Dealer Licenses. The issuance of a dealer license authorizes the operation of a facility as a dealer. Dealer licenses expire at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

F.An applicant wishing to operate a kennel may apply for a license pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-6, Public Auction and Kennel Licenses. The issuance of a kennel license authorizes the operation of a kennel. Kennel licenses expire at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

G.Any applicant wishing to operate as an animal rescue, broker, or transporter may apply for a certificate of registration pursuant to § 1.8 of this Subchapter, Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Animals. The issuance of a certificate of registration authorizes operation as an animal rescue, broker, or transporter as designated. Certificates of registration expire annually on December 31. Applications must be made by submitting the appropriate form to the Rhode Island state veterinarian on form(s) provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

H.All applications listed in §§ 4.9(A) through (G) of this Part shall be on forms provided by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian. The applicant shall identify the intended purpose of seeking the appropriate license or certificate, the proposed operational plan for the facility if approved, copies of any applicable state and federal licenses, any municipal approvals that may have been granted for the operation of the proposed facility, and the location and dates upon which the proposed facility is available for inspection by the Rhode Island state veterinary and/or his/her staff.

I.All licensed or registered entities are prohibited from operating other than in strict compliance with the conditions as set forth in its operational plan. Any proposed changes to the operations of these entities must be approved by the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian in writing before operations can be changed. All proposed changes must be submitted in writing to the office of the Rhode Island state veterinarian.

J.The license or certificate of registration is only valid for the owner to whom it is issued. The transfer of ownership of the subject facility voids said facility’s license or certificate of registration unless prior written approval for the transfer of said license or certificate is obtained through the submittal of an application the Rhode Island state veterinarian is approved.

K.The license or certificate of registration is only valid for the location as stated on the license. The change of location of the subject facility immediately voids said facility’s license or certificate of registration.

L.It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any animal care facility licensed or registered pursuant to this Part on an expired license or on an expired license application unless the Department receives a renewal application no greater than ninety (90) days after the expiration of the license or certificate of registration. All such renewal applications must be postmarked, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered no greater than ninety (90) days after the expiration date listed on the most recent license or certificate of registration. Any application received after the ninety (90) day grace period for renewal will require the applicant to submit an application for a new license or certificate of registration, not a renewal of the previous license or certificate of registration.

A.In addition to other penalties provided by law or other rule or Regulation that are provided below pursuant to § 4.12 of this Part, any operator of an animal care facility who violates the provisions of these Rules and Regulations or any order issued by the Director shall be subject to suspension, revocation or denial of his/her license or certificate of registration in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.7.

B.The Director may deny renewal of the license or certificate of registration of any operator of an animal care facility for the violation of the provisions of these Rules and Regulations or any order issued by the Director during a prior license or certificate of registration period.

C.The Director may suspend, revoke or deny issuance of a license or certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility upon a finding that the business of the license or certificate of registration holder or applicant is owned, managed or operated, in whole or in part, by a person, firm, association or corporation whose license or certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility has been suspended, revoked or denied on account of noncompliance with these regulations.

D.The Director may suspend, revoke or deny issuance of a license or certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility upon a finding that the business of the license or certificate of registration holder or applicant is owned, managed or operated, in whole or in part, by a person, firm, association or corporation whose permit, license or certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility has been suspended, revoked or denied in another state.

E.Penalties --The following penalties shall apply to violations of these regulations: In addition to the penalty described in § 4.12 of this Part, the license or certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility of any person who violates any of the terms of Rules and Regulations may have his/her license or certificate of registration suspended by the Director for a period of up to thirty (30) days for a first offense, up to ninety (90) days for a second offense, up to three hundred sixty-five (365) days for a third offense, and revocation for a fourth offense.

F.Other Requirements -- Operators subject to these rules and regulations are also responsible for complying with other applicable state, local and federal laws, ordinances and regulations, including Department of Health and USDA laws and regulations relating to animal care facilities.

A.Denial of a license or certificate of registration: Persons denied the issuance or renewal of a license or certificate of registration or the reissuance of a license or certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility may request an appeal as provided by R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.7 and pursuant to Part 10-00-1 of this Title (“Rules and Regulations for the Administrative Adjudication Division”), by presenting a written request for a hearing within thirty (30) days of the applicant’s receipt of the denial. The written request must be presented to the clerk of the Administrative Adjudication Division, 235 Promenade Street, Room 350, Providence, RI 02908.

B.Enforcement action: Any person adversely affected by a decision of the Director for an enforcement action pursuant to these regulations may file and appeal in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.7 and Part 10-00-1 of this Title (“Rules and Regulations for the Administrative Adjudication Division”) by presenting a written request for a hearing within twenty (20) days of the applicant’s receipt of the notice of the enforcement action. The written request must be presented to the clerk of the Administrative Adjudication Division, 235 Promenade Street, Room 350, Providence, RI 02908.

Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of these regulations shall be subject, to an administrative penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the first violation and not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000.00) for the second violation and any subsequent violations. Any violations of these regulations may result in the seizure of animals by the Department and/or the initiation of actions for the suspension or revocation of any license and/or certificate of registration previously issued by the Department. Each day for which the violation persists without remedy shall constitute a separate violation.

Any employee of the Department of Environmental Management, Divisions of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, and Law Enforcement is empowered and authorized to enforce any of the provisions in these Rules and Regulations.