Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was further amended last week and passed the Maine House. The House changes were minor and clarify that humane agents could conduct inspections without a municipal animal control officer present. The Senate quickly agreed to those minor changes and adopted the bill.
Yesterday, amended LD 1771 was forwarded to the Governor for consideration. Details regarding the bill can be viewed in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) June 3 alert.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Immediately contact Governor Mills using this form. Complete the field with your name and address before asking her to veto amended LD 1771. Talking points:
- A hobby kennel houses personally owned dogs for private use such as improving the breed, showing, hunting, sledding, or competition.
- It is not operated as an animal care facility business and does not have commercial zoning, staff, or infrastructure, and should not be required to obtain a state “facility” license.
- LD 1771 unacceptably categorizes, licenses, and regulates an owner of some dogs for personal use the same as pet shops and boarding kennels.
For more information on these or other legislative issues in Maine, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.