R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-22: Subrogation of town or city to claim for damages.

Upon drawing an order as provided in §§ 4-13-20 and 4-13-21, the town or city may recover, in a civil action against the keeper or owner of any dog involved in the damage, full compensation for the damage done by his or her dog and costs of appraisal. Should the person suffering loss avail himself or herself of the provisions in §§ 4-13-20 — 4-13-22, he or she shall not be entitled to maintain a suit for damages against the owner or keeper of the dog.