R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-14-3: Appraisal of damages for recovery by impoundment.

The party aggrieved, in order to be entitled to recover damages by impounding, shall, within two (2) days after the beasts break into his or her enclosure, get two (2) qualified electors of the city or town where the trespass is committed, to appraise the damage and give a statement, in writing, under their hands, and lodge the statement with the poundkeeper.