The commissioner shall develop a State of Maine Animal Response Team, referred to in this section as "the team," to support a unifying network that protects human and animal health through preparation, response and recovery for animal emergencies in the State. The team shall facilitate a prompt, coordinated and effective response to a natural or human‑made disaster affecting animals; decrease the health and safety threat to humans and animals during animal emergencies; and minimize the economic and environmental impacts of animal emergencies. Response activities include but are not limited to providing adequate care for animals taken into custody by the State.   [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. U, §1 (AMD).]