R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-18-1: Purpose and scope.

This chapter is intended to provide safeguards for the protection of persons in the state from disease hazards associated with imported wild animals. This chapter applies to all persons, including, but not limited to, the following: educational and research institutions, zoological gardens, schools, colleges, universities, pet stores, animal care facilities, and laboratories, who import, hold, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal for which an import permit is required under this chapter.