AUGUSTA (AP) – Animal welfare advocates are one step closer to getting a new specialty license plate in Maine that would benefit the state’s Animal Welfare Program.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap accepted a $50,000 check Monday from supporters of the license plate effort.

The check represents $25 contributions from 2,000 residents who say they support the plate.

With the money raised, legislation will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session to establish the plate.

A prototype of the plate shows a silhouette of a ponytailed girl, a dog and a cat, accompanied by the words, “rescue, raise, love, adopt.”

Maine now has seven specialty license plates that raise funds for a variety of purposes, with an eighth coming on line on Oct. 1.