WEST PARIS – An ordinance barring unlicensed commercial dog and cat breeding establishments in town will get a hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the town office on Kingsbury Street.
The puppy mill ordinance will go to voters at the annual town meeting March 4.
On Thursday, selectmen authorized Town Manager Donald Woodbury to schedule a public hearing on the law proposed by Selectman Wayne Theofrastou. The act would prohibit any establishment from operating a commercial breeding facility for dogs and cats for sale directly to the public unless controlled legally under the proper authorities. Any such establishment must be properly licensed, allow U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection and enforcement of humane handling, housing and medical requirements set forth in the Animal Welfare Act.
Theofrastou said because of animal welfare problems in Maine and the nation he would like to see the ordinance pass protect to the town from cases of animal abuse.
“I’m not positive, but I believe this will be the only ordinance of its kind in the country if approved by the voters,” he said.
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