Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3950, as amended by PL 1991, c. 779, §40, is further amended to read:

§3950. Local regulations

Each municipality is empowered to adopt or retain more stringent ordinances, laws or regulations dealing with the subject matter of this chapter, except that municipalities may not adopt breed-specific ordinances, laws or regulations. Any less restrictive municipal ordinances, laws or regulations are invalid and of no force and effect.

1.__Barking dogs; exception.__A municipal ordinance, law or regulation that prohibits or limits barking dogs must include an exception for agricultural guard dogs whose primary purpose is to protect other domesticated livestock and warn the owners of danger to the livestock and dogs used for for herding livestock.

SUMMARY

This bill exempts agricultural guard dogs and dogs used for herding livestock from barking dog ordinances.