Thursday, March 28, 2019
On Thursday, April 4, the Maine Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry will hear LD 1311. The bill would strike “pet shop” from the definition of “seller” and prohibit any seller (i.e., owner or operator of a breeding kennel or animal dealer licensed by United States Department of Agriculture) from selling a dog that has a condition requiring hospitalization or nonelective surgical procedures.
These provisions would not apply to dogs purchased from humane societies or shelters. In addition, LD 1311 states “animal rescue entity” does not include an entity that:
- Is located on the same premises as a breeder;
- Has any personnel in common with a breeder;
- Obtains animals from a breeder; or
- Facilitates the sale of animals obtained from a
The AKC Rescue Network, the largest network of dog rescue groups in the U.S., with more than 450 groups providing fostering and rehabilitation services, would be directly impacted by LD 1311. For this reason, and because many responsible purebred dog breeders also participate in breed rescue work, AKC opposes LD 1311.
The committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 1:00pm in Room 214 of the Cross Building, 11 Sewall St., Augusta, ME 04333.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Contact your state senator and representative to register your concerns. To identify your state senator and contact information search for your home town here. To identify your state representative and contact information search for your home town here.
- Concerned residents are also encouraged to contact the members of the committee to directly express concerns. Send your concerns about LD 1311 to ACF@legislature.maine.gov.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.