Sec. 7. 7 MRSA §4011-A is enacted to read:

§4011-A.__Investigation and enforcement of cruelty violations

A sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, constable, animal control officer, humane law enforcement officer or humane agent shall investigate cases of cruelty to animals and enforce the laws governing cruelty to animals.

Sec. 8. 17 MRSA §1011, sub-§15-B is enacted to read:

15-B.__Humane law enforcement officer.__"Humane law enforcement officer" means a person meeting the training requirements of Title 7, section 3906-B, subsection 4-A appointed periodically by a municipality pursuant to Title 7, chapter 725.

Sec. 9. 17 MRSA §1021, sub-§5-A, as amended by PL 1995, c. 490, §24, is further amended to read:

5-A. Seizure by state humane agent, state veterinarian or humane law enforcement officer without court order. A state humane agent or, a state veterinarian or a humane law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of section 1031 or 1032 has taken place or is taking place may take possession of the cruelly treated animal. Upon taking possession of an animal under this section, the humane agent or, the state veterinarian or the humane law enforcement officer shall present the owner with a notice that:

A. States the reason for seizure;

B. Gives the name, address and phone number of the humane agent or, the state veterinarian or the humane law enforcement officer to contact for information regarding the animal; and

C. Advises the owner of the ensuing court procedure.

If the owner can not be found, the humane agent or, the state veterinarian or humane law enforcement officer shall send a copy of the notice to the owner at the owner's last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the owner is not known or can not be located, the humane agent or, the state