123rd Legislative Session

LD 758 “An Act to Protect Household Pets and other Animals from Poisoning” Sponsored by Rep. Emily Ann Cain of Orono Requires manufacturers of anti-freeze or engine coolant to add a bittering agent to the product to make it unpalatable. Anti-freeze is poisonous and without a bittering agent it is sweet tasting and attractive to pets and small animals. Even small amounts can be fatal. The bill was passed by the legislature, but will not take effect until three other northeastern states have passed a similar law.

LD 1185 “An Act to Protect Dogs Tied Outside” Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Pendleton of Scarborough This bill was a follow up to the first-in-the nation legislation in 2005 specifically addressing dogs left outside on a continuous basis. See “Dogs Chained for Life” campaign. It created increased standards as to what is required if you are to leave a dog outside continuously. LD 1185 was follow up legislation that added protections and prohibited the of restraining a dog in a way that causes the dog pain, injury or leaves the animal at risk of being entangled without the ability to reach food, water and shelter. The bill targeted getting such dogs taken off tether for at least 3 hours every 24-hour period. Unfortunately this follow-up legislation did not pass.