R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-16-6

In case no owner appears within thirty (30) days, the person who took up the animal shall go to the city or town clerk, taking with him or her two (2) electors of the neighborhood whom the city or town clerk shall engage to make a faithful and true appraisal of the animal, and the person who took up the animal shall pay the sum the animal shall be appraised at, after all just charges are deducted, into the hands of the city or town clerk. If the person fails to pay the appraised amount, the animal shall be sold at public auction after reasonable notice under the direction of the city or town clerk for the payment of those charges, and in either case the balance shall be retained for the use of the owner.