AUGUSTA – After an influx of diseased pets crossing state lines and being adopted in Maine, the state’s Animal Welfare Program is looking at stricter rules for dogs and cats coming into Maine.
Program officials will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. Monday at the Department of Public Safety Building at 45 Commerce St. in Augusta.
Nothing has been put into place yet, said Shelley Doak, director of the Division of Animal Health and Industry within the Department of Agriculture.
The rule that has been drafted would expand existing laws for animal sales to animal adoptions. This includes provisions that those transporting dogs and cats must have a permit for state entry
The proposed rule also adds canine ehrichiosis, heartworm and Lyme disease to the list of diseases for which an animal must be tested, as well as being immunized against several diseases. The rule also mandates a five-day holding period for imported dogs and cats, as well as a certificate of veterinary inspection.
Violations of the law would constitute civil offenses.
The purpose of Monday’s hearing is to listen to what the public has to say and answer questions, Doak said.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.