Section 31-22-28 - Transporting animals(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal or animals either for business or pleasure on or in an open air motor vehicle unless the animal or animals being transported: (1) Is kept in an enclosed area of the motor vehicle;(2) The animal or animals are under the physical control of a person other than the operator of the motor vehicle; or(3) The animal or animals are placed in the motor vehicle and safely restrained by a harness manufactured for the purpose of restraining animals by means other than neck restraints.(b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for a first offense, nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) for each subsequent offense.R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-28