FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Livestock Livestock Testing Livestock testing is conducted by the Animal Health staff to ensure the health of the livestock in the state and to ensure public health when consuming animal products. Budget and staffing constraints do not allow Animal Health staff to perform testing to meet the requests of those producers who wish to have their animals tested for the purpose of interstate movement for sale or show. A federally accredited veterinarian must perform official testing for interstate movement for sale, or for show. The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association may offer assistance in finding a federally accredited veterinarian. For more information, please read the 2010 RI Division of Agriculture Animal Health Testing Policy. Livestock Welfare and Care Standards The RI Livestock Welfare and Care Standards 2014 were created by the Livestock Welfare and Care Standards Advisory Council to serve as the minimum care standards for all livestock that are kept in the state Rhode Island. More information on the duties of the Livestock Welfare and Care Standards Advisory Council can be found here. This document also references the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (2013 Edition) regarding the humane euthanasia of livestock, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching (2010 Edition) for species specific technical information.