Section 250-RICR-40-05-4.6 - Record KeepingA. 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 §4.6I(6)(a) through (e) of this Part above must be posted there within 24 hours of receipt of that information.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-4.6
Amended effective 1/30/2020
Amended effective 4/24/2023