Rhode Island General Laws Title 34. Property § 34-29-5. Sale of goods--Notice--Disposition of proceeds

When any processor may have a lien upon the goods and property of others that may have come into their possession, and the amount due shall remain due and unpaid either in whole or in part, for two (2) months after the lien becomes due and payable, it shall be lawful for the processor to expose the goods and property for sale, and sell at public auction, upon notice of sale being first published for two (2) weeks at least once in each week, preceding the day of sale, in some newspaper published in the county in which the goods or property are located, and a copy of the printed notice being mailed to the owner or owners, if known, at least five (5) days before the day of sale, if their post office addresses can be ascertained; and the proceeds of the sale shall be applied to the payment of the lien and the expenses of the sale; and no more of the goods or property shall be sold, if easily separated or divided, than shall be necessary, as near as may be, to pay the lien and expenses, and the balance of the proceeds of sale of the goods or property, if any, shall be paid to those entitled thereto. Nothing in this section shall be construed to be in derogation of the right of the lienor to enforce the lien by any other lawful procedure.