on September 10, 2026

Rhode Island Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Rhode Island has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. Warwick publishes a set ticket of $50.

Why Rhode Island leaves it to cities

Rhode Island has no statewide dog waste statute; Chapter 4-13 of the General Laws (Dogs) contains no provision on feces or excrement. R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-1 lets city and town councils 'make any ordinances concerning dogs in their cities or towns as they deem expedient,' so pickup and leash rules are local. The R.I. Department of Environmental Management hosts a model pet waste ordinance (2008) on its stormwater pages for towns to adapt. Verified 2026-09-10.

  • City and town councils may adopt any dog ordinances they deem expedient: R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-1 (read it)
  • Chapter 4-13 (Dogs) index: no dog waste section: R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 4-13 (read it)
  • RIDEM model pet waste ordinance for municipalities (not binding law): RIDEM Model Ordinance - Pet Waste (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Rhode Island's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Providence Providence Code of Ordinances § 4-27 (Canine waste and its removal); parks rule § 4-20(d) Up to $50 Yes
Cranston Cranston Code of Ordinances § 6.08.240 (Domestic animal waste and its removal) Up to $25 Yes
Warwick Warwick Code of Ordinances § 4-9(b) through (f) (removal of waste deposited by dogs) $50 Yes

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

In Providence, Cranston and Warwick, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Rhode Island

  • Providence, Cranston and Warwick use nearly identical wording: walkers must carry a 'means of removal' and take the waste to 'a place suitable and regularly reserved for the disposal of human feces.'
  • Providence requires an annual permit to walk dogs in designated parks and conservation areas; failing to remove excrement can cost the permit (§ 4-20).
  • Cranston caps a first offense at $25 (§ 6.08.240(D)), the lowest first-offense figure in this batch, but citations require an in-person municipal court appearance (§ 6.08.230).
  • RIDEM's model pet waste ordinance exempts disability assistance animals and leaves the fine amount blank for each town to set.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Rhode Island?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Rhode Island?

It depends on the city. Providence: Up to $50. Cranston: Up to $25. Warwick: $50.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Rhode Island?

In Providence, Cranston and Warwick, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.

Are service dog handlers exempt?

In Providence, Cranston and Warwick, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.

Other states in the Northeast

New York · Pennsylvania · New Jersey · Massachusetts · Connecticut · New Hampshire · Maine · Vermont

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.