Last week, Maine Governor Janet Mills issued an Executive Order that reinstates the state’s dog licensing requirements.
In March 2020, Governor Mills declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order temporarily suspended licensing laws in order to facilitate health and veterinary care during the public health crisis. The order has been renewed monthly since last March.
The Governor’s new order, which went into effect on February 3, notes that the suspension of licensing laws is no longer necessary, as health care practices have reopened to patient care and licenses can be renewed online. Moreover, the order notes that the reinstatement of the dog licensing requirements will ensure that dogs are being properly vaccinated against rabies.
For the 2021 calendar year only, the January 1 deadline for dog licensure has been extended to June 2, 2021. All other state law requirements for dog licensure have been reinstated. Enforcement for 2020 dog licensing requirements remains suspended.
The new Executive order may be viewed in full at https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/sites/maine.gov.governor.mills/files/inline-files/EO%2087%2029.pdf.
For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.