As of the laws in rhode island today, animals can be left outside 24/7 in all weather climates. As of now fines are only a low amount of money. If the law is changed then animals will only be allowed outside minimum amounts of time during a whole day depending on their breed, and weather conditions  fines will be increased, after the 3rd offense the animal will be taken away.

A perfect example of this would be max, the dog next door to us. he is left out all hours of the night and all day long no matter the weather.