Rhode Island General Laws Title 4. Animals and Animal Husbandry § 4-1-43. Use of bullhooks or similar devices on elephants prohibited

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who houses, possesses, or is in direct contact with an elephant utilized in a traveling show shall not:

(b) For purposes of this section “ traveling show” means a circus, public show, trade show, photographic opportunity, carnival, city or county fair, ride, parade, race, performance or similar undertaking that involves transporting elephants from location to location or otherwise moves elephants away from a place of permanent residency for performance purposes. The term “traveling show” does not include the transportation of an elephant between nonprofit United States Department of Agriculture licensed sanctuaries for the purpose of providing lifetime care.

(c) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.