In March of 2005, MFOA successfully passed legislation that addressed dogs being left outside on a continual basis. It required increased specifications to protect dogs that are left outside, and, at that time, was a first-in-the nation legislation.

With that legislative success, MFOA decided to continue the “Dogs Chained for Life” campaign, which has also been featured in our 2006 and 2007 newsletters, and to submit subsequent legislation that included a requirement that the dog be taken off tether each day for three hours.

The follow-up bill failed, in part because the Maine Municipal Association lobbied against it because of concerns for the additional work incurred by the Animal Control Officers. However, by law each municipality must have someone to oversee animal control and be responsible in responding to cases of abuse and cruelty.

10 Ways to Help

1 Know the law regarding “Outside Dogs.”
Although Maine currently allows tethering 24/7, the State does have very specific requirements regarding dogs left outside for more then 12 hours per day. This Law along with other State Animal Welfare laws can be found at: http:// www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw/.

2 Gather Information
Document the neglect and violations of existing law using pictures and written accountings. Keep record of all communications that you have with authorities concerning the dog’s welfare.

By Christina Perkins
Downeast Dog News
April 2008

LD 2010: An Act to Ensure Ethical and Humane Dog Breeding in the State
The public hearing and work sessions were held in February. The Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted unanimously that the bill ought to pass as amended. The amendment would create a resolve which in turn would create a task force of stakeholders to study the issue of ethical breeding in Maine. The bill will next be voted on in the full Maine House of Representatives. Read full article

By Christina Perkins
Downeast Dog News
January 2008

Out of a concern that canine and feline diseases, previously absent or rare in the state, may be occurring in Maine in increasing numbers, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health and Industry proposed changes last year to the rules governing the sale of dogs and cats and the importation of dogs and cats for resale or adoption.

Read full article

By Lisa Jung
Downeast Dog News
November 2007

Eight weeks after Maine’s largest animal seizure, not a single dog remains at the unlicensed breeding facility where police and animal welfare authorities rescued approximately 250 canines August 21. The 137 dogs that remained at the rescue site for care and medical treatment were transferred October 11 to a secure temporary shelter in Portland designed specifically for their ongoing health and well-being.

Read full article