R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-4-10: Sale of diseased or disabled animals.

It is unlawful for any person holding an auctioneer’s license knowingly to receive or offer for sale or to sell at public auction, other than at a sheriff’s or judicial sale under a court order, or for any person to sell or offer for sale at private sale, any animal which is suffering from any disability, lameness or disease, and any person violating any provision of this section shall, for each offense, be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-2.