What is your background before becoming Maine AWP Director?

Prior to relocating to Maine for “retirement” I was employed by the Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation, located in Camarillo, CA for 21 years.  I started my career as a field animal control officer and over the years rose to the position of Operations Manager.  My responsibilities in that position were to oversee the kennel operation (we received over 15,000 animals a year) the field staff of 14 animal control officers and the administrative staff.

By Lisa Jung
Downeast Dog News
October 2007

Maine’s animal welfare laws enacted by the last session of the Maine Legislature will take effect September 21 (the proposed changes were summarized in the May through July 2007 editions of Downeast Dog News). A couple of the changes are especially important. For instance, under the new law, a vendor’s license is now required for anyone advertising, selling or exchanging for value more than one dog or cat in a 12-month period.

Read full article

Have you ever gone by a house in your town where the same dog is chained outside all the time?

In February of this year, a severely neglected 13-year old dog, chained to a fence for her entire life, was discovered and removed by a local rescue organization.  Sadly, this documented case of abuse is an all too common occurrence. In fact, it may be the most pervasive form of domestic animal cruelty we have in Maine today, especially given our harsh winters.

This year, Maine Friends of Animals is making this its focus issue - what we call ‘dogs chained for life.' The campaign is to educate the public, the media and legislators so that we can work together to end this needless animal abuse.

1. Enforce Existing Law - Make a copy of the State standards (see page 2 of this flyer) for dogs left outside and send them to your local Animal Control Officer (ACO). Keep a copy in your car to refer to. 

2. Educate Dog Owners - Call or email MFOA for a door hanger and scripted letter that politely educates the owner of a ‘Dog Chained for Life’.  

3. Contact Your Animal Control Officer - If the above does not help, notify your ACO of any names and addresses where the State standards are not being met. A picture or video will assist your case.  Follow-up with ACO to verify that action was taken. 

4. Contact Local Animal Welfare Organizations - If neither of the above works, contact MFOA and the Animal Welfare Program at 287-3846. 

5. Document the Neglect - MFOA is building a case to go back to the legislature for further standards including time off the tether. We need evidence to show legislators. Please look for ‘Dogs Chained for Life’ and send MFOA the name and address for the dog; and any action taken. Pictures would be very helpful.  

6. Promote Alternatives to Tethering  -  a. Promote fencing as an alternative to tethering.  Best friend fence (www.friendlyfence.com) is visually appealing, very strong pet fence that safely keeps the dog within a designated area without the use of electric wires or unattractive and costly fencing.   b. Ask the owner to give up the dog.  Contact MFOA for a list of area rescues and shelters that may be able to help re-home the dog if released. 

7. Educate your Community - Assist the MFOA ‘Dogs Chained for Life’ education program. Post MFOA educational flyer at local veterinarians, libraries, pet stores, and community bulletin boards. Contact your MFOA District Coordinator about tabling at a local event, community function, political gathering, or country fair. 

8. Contribute Financially to MFOA’s ‘Dogs Chained for Life ‘campaign.  Find out more.

9. Write a letter to your local newspaper about the plight of ‘Dogs Chained for Life’. 

10. Make a Promise  - Free one ‘Dog Chained for Life’ in 2006. Please let us know of any unchained dog you were responsible for, which will be listed in our next newsletter.

Last year MFOA sponsored and had passed the first state legislation in the country affecting dogs being left outside unattended. It was a solid step in educating the legislature about the plight of these animals. It has spurred a campaign to increase public and legislative awareness of an issue we think is a sleeping giant among animal protection issues.

One of the most frequent requests MFOA hears from our members is about doing something about what we call “dogs chained for life.” Time and again we get calls about dogs continuously being left outside in inhumane conditions. In our view it is arguably the most pervasive form of animal cruelty that we presently have in the state, especially given Maine winters.

 Files for you to Download

 10 Ways You Can Help

 Door Hanger

 insert

 Sample Letter to the Editor

 Sample Letter to the Dog Owner