Maine Residents:

This language is incorporated into the Animal Welfare Department Bill/Law Book and is not a separate bill.

http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw/2008LawBook.doc

7. DOGS CONFINED BY TETHERING FOR LONG TIME PERIODS. In addition to the requirements of subsection 2, paragraph B; subparagraph (2), when tethering is the primary means of confinement for a dog, the standards for shelter and tethering are as follows:

A. A shelter must be provided that is fully enclosed except for a portal. The portal must be of a sufficient size to allow the dog unimpeded passage into and out of the structure. For dogs other than arctic breeds, the portal must be constructed with a baffle or other means of keeping wind and precipitation out of the interior. The shelter must _BE CONSTRUCTED _of materials with a thermal resistance factor of 0.9 or greater and must contain clean bedding material sufficient to retain the dog’s normal body heat; and

B. The chain or tether must be attached to both the dog and the anchor using swivels or similar devices that prevent the chain or tether from becoming entangled or twisted. The chain or tether must be attached to a well-fitted collar or harness on the dog. For dogs other than arctic breeds, the chain or tether must be at least 5 times the length of the dog measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. For arctic breeds, the chain or tether must be:

(1) At least 2.5 times the length of the dog measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail if the anchor is stationary; or

(2) At least 1.5 times the length of the dog measured from the tip of its > nose to the base of its tail if the anchor is a pivot point allowing a 360° area of movement.

For the purposes of this subsection, “primary means of confinement” means the methods used to confine a dog for periods of time that exceed 12 hours in a 24-hour period. For the purposes of this subsection, “arctic breeds” means Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and other dogs with a double-layered coat and bred to live in an arctic climate.

Note: The only thing that may change is that the Arctic breed exclusion language may be removed and replaced with language giving the exemption only to dogs involved in sled dog activities - so that owners individual arctic breeds will also required to abide by the 4-sided housing, baffle over door and length of chain (5 times length of dog) requirement.

UPDATE 4/26/07

Contacts:
Susanna Richer, DDB Maine Area Rep, email: DDBMaine@yahoo.com:
Robert Fisk, President, Maine Friends of Animals, email: mfoa@maine.rr.com

LD 1185: An Act To Protect Dogs Tied Outside, was killed during the work session due to opposition from local hunting clubs and the Maine Guide's Organization. Of course, we will try again...