Legislation We're Following
Summary of Connecticut Importation Law
Text of Connecticut Importation Law
New Rule Will Limit Importation of Puppies for Resale in the United States
L.D. 779 An Act To Implement Standards Concerning Animal Welfare and Research Institutions (Sponsor: Rep. HARLOW of Portland) stated that a teaching or research institution must ensure than any animals they use, house or transport are not subjected to procedures that result in "severe and unrelieved pain or distress." This bill was defeated and placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on May 12, 2011.
L.D. 1169 An Act To Require Timely Reporting of Dog Licensing (Sponsor: Rep. KNIGHT of Livermore Falls) (BY REQUEST)
Sponsored by Representative Knight of Livermore Falls at the request of a constituent, LD1169 sought to increase the penalties for those who do not license their dogs by assessing a fine of up to $100 in addition to the license fee and a $25 late fee. Each year, municipal officers would be required to issue a warrant to law enforcement or animal control officers with the names and addresses of all who have not purchased a license for their dog. The owners would be required to obtain a license and pay the fees within seven days of receiving the notice. This bill was defeated and placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on May 19, 2011.
L.D. 676 An Act To Enact Requirements Concerning Veterinary Prescriptions (Sponsor: Sen. COURTNEY of York)
Sponsored by Senator Courtney of York, LD676 sought to require that veterinarians provide verbal and written notice prior to dispensing medications stating that the owner may purchase the prescriptions from the veterinarian or the pharmacy of their choice, and the veterinarian must also provide a written prescription without charging a fee. This bill was defeated and placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on May 12, 2011.
L.D. 1309 Resolve, To Encourage Reciprocity between Maine and New Hampshire in the Reporting of Rabies Vaccinations by Veterinarians (Sponsor: Sen. HILL of York)
Senator Dawn Hill of York sponsored LD1309 to establish reciprocity between Maine and New Hampshire for the reporting of rabies vaccinations. If a veterinarian in one state vaccinates a dog owned by someone in the other state, a rabies certificate will be sent to the appropriate Department of Agriculture verifying the vaccination. Governor LePage signed this bill into law as a resolve on June 6, 2011.
LD 760 "An Act To Establish an Animal Abuser Registry"
Sponsored by Representative Sara Stevens
Full language of LD 760
Defeated and placed in Legislative Files (Dead) on 6/3/2011.
LD 467 (HP 360) 
"An Act To Simplify Dog Licensure By Establishing a 3-year License"
Full language of LD 467
Sponsored by Representative Patrick Flood.
Please click here for biographical and contact information for Representative Flood.
Defeated and placed in Legislative Files (Dead) on 5/5/2011.
LD850 "An Act To Improve the Enforcement of Laws Protecting Dogs"
(By Request)
Sponsored by Senator Stanley Gerzofsky
Full language of LD 850
Status Summary:
LD850 drew particular concern because it sought to make several changes to the laws regarding the care of dogs, including:
• Clarifying that the mandatory opening on an outdoor shelter may not be more than 3 inches taller or wider than the largest dog.
• Authorizing any person (not just law enforcement officers) to take all steps necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if it is believed the animal's safety, health and well-being are in immediate danger. If the person is not a law enforcement official, they must take the animal immediately to the nearest law enforcement office or animal shelter, and leave a written notice on the vehicle with the name and address of where the animal may be claimed.
• Requiring that all dogs being transported in an open portion of a vehicle on a public way be either cross-tethered or enclosed in a container or cage that is securely attached to prevent sliding, unless the open portion has sides and a tailgate that are at least 46 inches high.
This bill was sponsored by Senator Stanley Gerzofsky of Brunswick at the request of a constituent. The bill was favorably amended to extend the authority to remove a dog from a vehicle to firefighters, first responders and licensed security guards. The amendment removed the provisions in the bill pertaining to vendor's licenses, shelter requirements for dogs and securing a dog transported in an open vehicle. Governor LePage signed this bill into law on June 10, 2011.
PUPS information |
| Pups bill |
Why we oppose:
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| Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners position statement with which we agree |
Download a copy of a letter from two Congressmen to their colleagues about PUPS.
Use this site to track status of bills: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/search.asp
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http://www.state.me.us/legis/senate/tracking/TrackingBills1.htm
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http://www.state.me.us/legis/senate/tracking/TrackingBills2.htm
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AKC Legislative Tracking for the US
all photos compliments of Tracey Benson