# R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-1: Definitions

> Rhode Island · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-1

## Section

- **Citation:** R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-1
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** RI Code / Title 4 / Chapter 4-25 / Section 4-25-1

## Text

As used in this chapter:

(1) €œClinically ill€ means an illness that is apparent to a licensed veterinarian based on observation, examination, or testing of the dog.

(2) €œNonelective surgical procedure€ means a surgical procedure that is necessary to preserve or restore the health of an animal or to correct a condition that would interfere with the animal€™s ability to walk, run, jump or otherwise function in a normal manner.

(3) €œPurchaser€ means any person purchasing a dog from a seller, as defined in this section.

(4) €œSeller€ means any person, business or other entity engaging in the sale of dogs, except that this definition does not encompass the sale of dogs on the premises of and by a public shelter, pound or other entity operating as a nonprofit organization pursuant to Rhode Island law. Persons selling fewer than twenty (20) dogs or three (3) litters, whichever is greater, in a single calendar year shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

## Nearby sections

- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-1 § 4-25-1. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-2 § 4-25-2. Information at sale provided by seller.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-2.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-3 § 4-25-3. Written disclosure by seller.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-3.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-4 § 4-25-4. Record keeping.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-4.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-5 § 4-25-5. Purchaser remedies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-5.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-6 § 4-25-6. Purchaser€™s obligations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-6.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-7 § 4-25-7. Limitations on remedies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-7.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-8 § 4-25-8. Contested cases.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-8.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-9 § 4-25-9. Notice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-9.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-10 § 4-25-10. Other remedies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-10.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T4_C4-25_S4-25-1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.