Amended LD 1771, which requires “hobby kennels” to obtain a state license under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) authority to regulate commercial “animal care facilities”, has become law without Governor Mills’ signature. Public Law Chapter 414 becomes effective Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly endorses the right to own, keep and breed dogs in a responsible and humane manner for hunting, show, training, field trials, sledding, competition or exhibition purposes. AKC strongly opposed amended LD 1771 because a Maine hobby kennel is typically a home-based location with five (5) or more personally owned dogs over six (6) months that is inspected and licensed by the municipality. Rules require the license to be displayed on-site and in advertising.
In contrast, Maine’s state licensed animal facilities are commercial businesses that must meet DACF regulations. DACF facilities include breeding kennels, boarding kennels, shelters, and pet shops. By moving the municipal kennel license under DACF’s licensure authority, the agency will adopt similar hobby kennel standards. Further details are available in this AKC prior alert.
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.