Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3902, as amended by PL 2001, c. 617, §4, is further amended to read:

§3902. Purposes; comprehensive program

The primary legislative purposes of this Act are to provide for the licensing of dogs and the humane and proper treatment of animals. To ensure the humane and proper treatment of animals, the commissioner chief humane agent shall develop, implement and administer a comprehensive program that upholds the animal welfare laws of the State through communication, education and enforcement.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §3906-B, as amended by PL 2001, c. 399, §2 and c. 422, §3, is further amended to read:

§3906-B. Powers and duties of chief humane agent

The commissioner chief humane agent has the powers and duties set forth in this section.

1. Dog licensing laws. The commissioner chief humane agent shall carry out the dog licensing laws and furnish to municipalities all license blanks, stickers and tags.

2. Animal Welfare Fund. The commissioner chief humane agent shall deposit all license fees received pursuant to chapters 721, 723, 725 and 735 in a separate account established by the Treasurer of State and known as the Animal Welfare Fund. The commissioner shall deposit 1/2 of feed registration fees collected under section 714 in the Animal Welfare Fund. This account does not lapse, but continues from year to year. The commissioner shall pay from the Animal Welfare Fund the expense of furnishing blanks, stickers and tags, travel expenses and salaries for necessary personnel, payments to animal shelters and expenses incurred in the administration of this Part.

3. Dog recorders. The commissioner chief humane agent shall appoint dog recorders in unorganized territories and establish fees for services rendered.

4. Training and certification of animal control officers. The commissioner chief humane agent shall develop a program to train animal control officers. This program must include training in investigation of complaints of cruelty to animals, training in response to calls concerning animals suspected of having rabies and training in enforcement of dog licensing laws