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MaineLD 1771132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Sponsored By: Donna Bailey (Democratic)

Became Law

ANIMALSANIMALS - DOGS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Background checks and bans for kennels

If you apply for a kennel, shelter, breeding kennel, or pet shop license, you must submit a background check and pay for it. The department cannot license you if, within the past 10 years, you were convicted of murder, a Class A or B crime, certain Title 17‑A chapters (9, 11, 12, 13), Title 17 chapter 42 crimes, or animal cruelty. A civil cruelty‑to‑animals adjudication, or similar out‑of‑state offenses, also bar a license.

State takes over kennel licensing

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry now issues all kennel licenses statewide. Licenses expire December 31; apply by January 31 or within 30 days of becoming subject. Your first application must include a passed inspection within 30 days and current rabies shots. Town animal control officers do inspections when available; a humane agent can step in under department rules, and the town pays if that happens. State inspectors and veterinarians may enter at reasonable times to examine animals, test for disease, collect samples, and impose quarantine. The department can refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for misstatements, violations, quarantine breaches, poor records, or wildlife rule violations. Town kennel licensing is repealed; owners apply to the state.

Small boost for Animal Welfare Fund

The state provides $21,577 in 2025-26 and $21,577 in 2026-27 to the Animal Welfare Fund. The money supports administration of the Animal Welfare Act.

Higher license fees for kennels, shelters, shops

State kennel license fees are $50 for 5-10 dogs, $100 for 11-20, and $150 for 21 or more. Breeding kennel fees are $125 (Category 1), $150 (Category 2), and $200 (Category 3). Boarding kennel and animal shelter licenses are $125 each year. Pet shop licenses are $200 each year. Each year, 20% of every kennel license fee goes to the town’s animal welfare account; the rest goes to the Animal Welfare Fund.

Law clean-up and cross-references

The law repeals 7 MRSA §3944 and removes paragraph E of §3950‑A(1). It adds chapter 723 to the list in §3950‑A(1). These updates clean up cross‑references and remove outdated text.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Donna Bailey

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Allison Hepler

    Democratic • House

  • Amy Roeder

    Democratic • House

  • Henry L. Ingwersen

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Dill

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Cooper

    Republican • House

  • Poppy Arford

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 71 • No: 69

House vote • 6/4/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 71 • No: 69

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 414

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/9/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  4. On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland the Senate RECEDED and CONCURRED to The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) as Amended by House Amendment "A" (H-488) and PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) as Amended by House Amendment "A" (H-488) in concurrence.

    6/5/2025Senate

  5. Speaker laid before the HouseSubsequently, on motion of Representative PLUECKER of Warren, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 332(Yeas 71 - Nays 69 - Absent 11 - Excused 0)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) was READ.On motion of Representative PLUECKER of Warren, House Amendment "A" (H-488) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) was READ and ADOPTED.Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) as Amended by House Amendment "A" (H-488) thereto was ADOPTED. Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) as Amended by House Amendment "A" (H-488) thereto.In NON-CONCURRENCE and sent for concurrence.ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/4/2025House

  6. Unfinished Business

    6/3/2025House

  7. Reports READ.On motion of Representative PLUECKER of Warren, TABLED pending ACCEPTANCE of Either Report.Later today assigned.

    6/3/2025House

  8. Reports READ On motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-220) Sent down for concurrence

    6/2/2025Senate

  9. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/24/2025House

  10. Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    4/24/2025Senate

Bill Text

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