R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-6: Shearing of horses in winter.

No person shall cut, clip, or shear the hair or coating of any horse between October 15th and March 1st unless the necessity for the cutting, clipping, or shearing has been certified in writing and filed with the Rhode Island society for the prevention of cruelty to animals by a licensed graduate veterinarian. Any person violating this section shall, for each offense, be imprisoned not exceeding ten (10) days or be fined not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00), or both.