We encourage you to view the two websites below. Maine PBS has not picked up "Emotional World of Farm Animals" yet, but will call MFOA if and when they do. They did say it is good to know from those who would like to see the program aired here in Maine (1-800-884-1717 – ask for 'audience services'). The VHS and DVD are available online. The second program "Holy Cow" is on 'Nature' and is part of there regular programming so that will be seen here in Maine.

 PBS Airs Farmed Animal Programming
Source: Farmed Animal Watch

The documentary, "The Emotional World of Farm Animals," narrated by author Jeffrey Masson, is being aired on PBS stations throughout the US and will appear in the Los Angeles market on Thursday, June 2. PBS is also airing a program called "Holy Cow" that includes in-depth coverage of the breeding and captivity of cows as well as the close relationship between humans and cows in certain parts of the world.

Augusta, Maine 04333-0028

Norma J. Worley, Director  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

1) What is the Animal Welfare Advisory Council?

The Animal Welfare Advisory Council was created to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on matters that pertain to the Animal Welfare Program per M.R.S.A. Title 7 § 3906-C.

2) What are the duties of the Animal Welfare Advisory Council?

The council performs the following duties:

• Reviews and advises the commissioner on proposed revisions to the animal welfare laws and rules.
• Assists the commissioner in the continuing implementation and evaluation of the animal welfare laws and rules.
• Reviews training programs for humane agents and animal control officers and makes recommendations for training appropriate to the duties of the humane agents and animal control officers.
• Researches options for increasing revenue to the Animal Welfare Fund to ensure funding for the implementation and enforcement of the animal welfare laws and rules
• Advises the commissioner on other matters related to the animal welfare laws and rules.

3) Does AWAC have any supervisory jurisdiction over departmental Animal Welfare personnel?

AWAC has no supervisory jurisdiction over departmental personnel. All personnel matters are the responsibility of the Commissioner and his staff.

4) How are the AWAC members appointed?

The Governor appoints all AWAC members.

5) How many AWAC members are there and whom do they represent?

There are 12 members representing the following:

• One member representing municipal interests;
• One animal control officer;
• One member representing licensed animal shelters;
• One member representing licensed boarding or breeding kennels;
• One member representing licensed pet shops;
• One member representing the public;
• One member who is or has been a veterinarian licensed to practice in the state;
• One attorney with experience in animal welfare law;
• One cooperative extension agent or specialist;
• One member with expertise in equine care;
• One member with expertise in livestock representing a statewide farming organization; and
• One member representing a State-based animal advocacy group.

Also the Commissioner or the commissioner’s designee serves as an ex officio nonvoting member.