R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-23.5-6: City or town designation of place for slaughterhouse.

The city or town councils of the several cities or towns may designate and establish the place or places where, subject to the provisions of chapter 27 of title 21, the business of slaughtering cattle and other animals shall be carried on, and vest in the occupant or owner a right to use and occupy that place, for the purposes of slaughtering cattle and other animals, until the right is withdrawn or suspended in the manner provided in § 23-23.5-7, or until that use and occupancy is abated as a public nuisance.