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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Animal Welfare Program?The primary purpose of the Animal Welfare Program is to ensure that animals in Maine are humanely and properly treated. The Commissioner of Agriculture has developed, implemented and administered a comprehensive program to uphold the animal welfare laws through communication, education and enforcement. How is the Animal Welfare Program funded?The majority of funding for the Animal Welfare Program comes from the licensing of dogs and various facilities such as animal shelters, boarding kennels, breeding kennels, pet shops, and research facilities. Approximately 20% of the funding comes from pet and livestock food registration. How many employees does the Animal Welfare Program have?There are 11 employees in the Animal Welfare Program:
How many complaints of animal cruelty or neglect are investigated yearly?In 2004 State Humane Agents investigated 744 complaints compared to 483 in 2000. However in Maine other state agencies including municipal Animal Control Officers (ACOs), sheriff departments and the State Police also handle animal welfare complaints. Unfortunately the total number of animal welfare cases is higher than the number handled by the Animal Welfare Program. Often the staff of the Animal Welfare Program cooperates with other agencies on specific cases. What species of animal does the Animal Welfare Program receive the most complaints on?In 2004 most complaints were received on dogs (398), followed by horses (186) and then cats (108). There were also 63 complaints on various species of farm animals and 37 complaints concerning birds. What type of complaints does the Animal Welfare Program receive?In 2004 the 744 cases that were investigated by AWP Staff this was an increase of over 35% over 2003. The types of complaints received were:
Other than investigation of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect what other responsibilities does the Animal Welfare Program have?Other responsibilities of the AWP are to…
Are copies of the investigative reports and files available to the public?The disposition of closed cases, unless sealed by the courts, is available to the public. However, M.R.S.A. Title 16 §614 forbids the release of names or any other identifying information on persons providing information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the Department of Agriculture. This information is confidential and may not be disseminated. Information cannot be released on active or continuing investigations. What is the difference between a State Humane Agent and an Animal Control Officer?A State Humane Agent is employed by the State of Maine. As a state employee a State Humane Agent’s primary responsibility is to enforce the animal cruelty statues in Title 7 and Title 17. Animal Control Officers are employed by a municipality and are not state employees. The ACO’s primary responsibility is to enforce the municipal animal control duties in Title 7 and Title 17. How many Animal Control Officers are there?Each of the 496 municipalities in the state is required to employ an animal control officer. However many ACO’s are employed by more than one town which results in approximately 250 animal control officers. What jurisdiction does the Animal Welfare Program have over animal control officers?The Animal Welfare Program is responsible to provide basic training and certification to animal control officers. The Animal Welfare Program does not participate in the hiring of or personnel issues concerning ACO’s. The employing town is responsible for the performance of the animal control officer. Does the Animal Welfare Program have the authority to hire, terminate, or discipline a local animal control officer?No. As employees of a town, only the town may hire, terminate or discipline an animal control officer. If a member of the public wishes to file a complaint against an Animal Control Officer or a State Humane Agent how is that done?Any complaint concerning an animal control officer should be directed to the staff of the town that employs them. Most animal control officers report either to the Town Clerk or the police department but this varies from town to town. Any complaint concerning a State Humane Agent should be directed to the Department of Agriculture at (207) 287-3871. How do I report an animal cruelty or neglect complaint?The Animal Welfare Program’s business hours are 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday and may be reached by the following manner: Toll Free Phone Number: 1-877-269-9200 Phone Number: (207) 287-3846 Email: animal.welfare@maine.gov Who do I call if the animal cruelty complaint is an emergency and it is not during business hours?Please call the Orono Barracks of the State Police at (207) 866-2121 and they will contact an Animal Welfare Program representative.
What is the Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC)?The Animal Welfare Advisory Council was created to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on matters that pertain to the Animal Welfare Program per M.R.S.A. Title 7 § 3906-C. What are the duties of the Animal Welfare Advisory Council?The council performs the following duties:
Does AWAC have any supervisory jurisdiction over departmental Animal Welfare personnel?AWAC has no supervisory jurisdiction over departmental personnel. All personnel matters are the responsibility of the Commissioner and his staff. How are the AWAC members appointed?The Governor appoints all AWAC members. How many AWAC members are there and whom do they represent?There are 12 members representing the following:
What are the terms of office for AWAC members?Except for initial appointees and the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee, each member serves for a term of 3 years or until the member’s successor has qualified. Except for the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee, a member may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. What happens if there is a vacancy on AWAC?In case of a vacancy for any reason, the Governor shall appoint a member representing the same interest to fill the unexpired term. When are the AWAC meetings?AWAC shall hold regular public meetings every other month but may waive by majority vote a succeeding meeting. Can there be “special meetings”?Yes, the chair shall call special meetings of the council whenever requested in writing by 2 or more members. How is the Chair selected?The council shall elect one of its members as chair. The chair serves for a 2-year period and may not serve as chair for consecutive 2-year periods. Are the members of AWAC compensated?By statue members of the council are entitled to travel and meal expenses only. When a person is appointed to AWAC do they become state employees?AWAC members do not become state employees upon appointment by the Governor. What happens if a member of AWAC resigns his position or fails to attend meetings?If a member resigns, the Governor is asked to appoint another person to represent the same interest. If a person fails to attend meetings the Chair may request their resignation. May members of the public attend AWAC meetings?All AWAC meetings, unless AWAC is in executive session, are open to the members of the public. May members of the public get copies of all the materials that are handed out to members of AWAC?Any materials given to members of AWAC at a scheduled meeting are available to the public. If AWAC recommends to the Commissioner of Agriculture that a certain law be passed or repealed, is the Commissioner required to accept and follow that recommendation?While one of the duties of AWAC is to advise and make recommendations (see question #2) to the Commissioner, it is at the Commissioner’s discretion to accept and/or follow those recommendations. Does AWAC have the authority to hire, terminate, or discipline a local animal control officer?No. Only the employing municipalities may hire, terminate or discipline an Animal Control Officer.
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