R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-4.2: Prohibition on sales in public places.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, exchange, trade, barter, lease, or display for a commercial purpose any dog or cat on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, other recreation area, flea market or other outdoor market, or commercial or retail parking lot regardless of whether such access is authorized.

(b) This section shall not apply to the following:

(1) The display or adoption of dogs or cats by an animal shelter, pound, or rescue as defined in this chapter; or

(2) The display of dogs or cats as part of a state or county fair exhibition, 4-H program, or similar exhibitions or educational programs.