Maine residents, your voice has been heard! The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Maine Federation of Dog Clubs are pleased that amended LD 1885 has been passed and will now go to Governor’s Mills’ desk for consideration. Thank you for your advocacy, and to Representative Jessica Fay for sponsoring the bill!
Prior to passage, the bill was amended by the Joint Appropriations Committee to:
1) Increase the funding from $25,000 per year to $35,000 per year over four years for each Veterinary Medicine Loan; and
2) Add one loan specifically for a veterinarian providing critical and emergency services.
AKC and the Maine Federation recognize the serious shortage of veterinarians practicing in Maine. The inability to secure veterinary care when needed negatively impacts the health and welfare of all animals, including dogs. For these reasons, both AKC and the Maine Federation will strongly encourage the Governor to sign amended LD 1885.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY:
Using this contact form, share your experience trying to get timely veterinary services in Maine and your support for LD 1885 with Governor Mills on this. Be certain to reference LD 1885 in the comment box.
AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to provide updates on LD 1885 as developments warrant. For more information on these or other legislative issues in Maine, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.