2023 -- H 5864
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LC002236
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - FIELD TRIALS AND SHOOTING PRESERVES –
CAPTIVE HUNTING PROH IBITED
Introduced By: Representative Scott Slater
Date Introduced: March 01, 2023
Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 20-19 of the General Laws entitled "FIELD TRIALS AND 1
SHOOTING PRESERVES" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
20-19-5. Captive hunting prohibited. 3
(a) As used in this section, the term "captive hunting" means a hunt that occurs within a 4
structure designed to restrict the free movement of animals created by the use of fences, man-made 5
structures and/or natural barriers, including, but not limited to, private lands set up as hunting or 6
shooting preserves or game ranches, wherein the animal is restricted from escaping or fleeing from 7
the confined area during the hunt. 8
(b) No species of animal whether domestic or wild, whether exotic to the state or naturally 9
occurring in the state may be imported into the state or released on any property within the state 10
for purposes of conducting captive hunting. 11
(c) No native or domestic species of the state shall be intentionally or unintentionally 12
captured or restricted of free movement by the use of fences, man-made structures and/or natural 13
barriers for the purpose of conducting captive hunting. 14
(d) The term captive hunting shall not apply to the release of upland game birds for hunting 15
whether on public property or on private property properly licensed by the department as a shooting 16
preserve. 17
LC002236 - Page 2 of 3
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 1
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LC002236
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LC002236 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - FIELD TRIALS AND SHOOTING PRESERVES –
CAPTIVE HUNTING PROH IBITED
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This act would prohibit captive hunting for domestic or wild animals. This act does not 1
prohibit the release of upland game birds for hunting on licensed shooting preserves. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
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LC002236
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