An Act To Improve Animal Control in Maine

Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3910-C  is enacted to read:

§ 3910-C.  Cat licenses

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §3950-B  is enacted to read:

§ 3950-B.  Issuance of cat licenses

A municipal clerk or a dog recorder in the unorganized territories shall issue a cat license in accordance with section 3910-D. The clerk or dog recorder shall keep a record of all cat licenses issued, including the names of the owners or keepers of cats licensed and the sex, registered numbers and description of those cats except those cats covered by a breeding kennel license as defined in section 3907, subsection 8-A. The clerk or dog recorder shall make a monthly report to the department on a department-approved form of all cat licenses issued and fees received.

Sec. 3. Development of animal licensure incentives. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall, within existing resources, develop strategies to encourage owners of dogs to license their dogs under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 7, chapter 721 and owners of cats to license their cats under Title 7, section 3910-C. The strategies may include, but are not limited to:

1. An advertising and public outreach campaign promoting licensure and offering incentives donated by participating businesses, including coupons, rewards cards and discounts for goods or services;

2. Development of an exclusive logo or certificate that may be displayed by participating businesses that actively participate in any promotional campaigns developed by the commissioner; and

3. Coordination with municipalities and other entities authorized to license dogs and cats to disseminate information, notices and flyers promoting licensure in municipal offices, on publicly accessible municipal websites and in other public buildings.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a cat license that is optional for cat owners. This bill also directs the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to develop strategies to encourage owners of dogs and cats to license their pets, including an advertising and public outreach campaign promoting licensure; offering incentives such as coupons and rewards cards donated by participating businesses; developing an exclusive logo or certificate that may be displayed by supporting businesses; and coordinating with municipalities and other entities authorized to license dogs and cats to disseminate information, notices and flyers promoting licensure.