LD 1881
pg. 2
Page 1 of 4 An Act Amending the Animal Welfare Laws Page 3 of 4
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LR 2727
Item 1

 
animals or 3 companion animals and 3 unweaned litters of stray,
abandoned, abused or owner-surrendered companion animals in a
calendar year.

 
Sec. 8. 7 MRSA §3910-B, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2005, c. 281, §5, is
further amended to read:

 
1. Establishment. There is established the Companion Animal
Sterilization Fund, an interest-bearing account, referred to in
this section as "the fund." The fund receives money deposited by
the Treasurer of State pursuant to Title 36, section 5284-A,
revenues generated in accordance with this section, all revenue
from the surcharges collected under section 3931-A, subsection 4
and section 3933, subsection 4, money transferred from the Animal
Welfare Fund in accordance with section 3906-B, subsection 2 and
any money contributed voluntarily to the fund. All money
deposited in the fund and the earnings on that money remain in
the fund to be used for the spaying or neutering of companion
animals owned by persons meeting income limit standards and for
the necessary administrative and personnel costs associated with
the management of the fund and may not be deposited in the
General Fund or any other fund except as specifically provided by
law.

 
Sec. 9. 7 MRSA §3931-A, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 281, §6, is
repealed.

 
Sec. 10. 7 MRSA §4019 is enacted to read:

 
§4019.__Endangerment

 
1.__Endangerment.__A person is guilty of endangering the
welfare of a companion animal or companion livestock if that
person:

 
A.__Knowingly or recklessly acts in a manner likely to be
injurious to the physical welfare of a companion animal or
companion livestock; or

 
B.__Is an owner or keeper legally charged with the care or
custody of a companion animal or companion livestock and
fails or refuses to exercise reasonable diligence, care or
control in any action that places in jeopardy the physical
well-being of the companion animal or companion livestock.

 
2.__Husbandry practices excepted.__This section may not be
construed to prohibit normal and accepted practices of animal
husbandry.


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