Carpenter bill to protect animals receives committee approval

AUGUSTA — A bill from Sen. Mike Carpenter, D-Houlton, LD 1090, “An Act To Update the Criminal Animal Welfare Laws,” received approval from the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Wednesday.

The bill would modify, add to and revise Maine’s animal welfare laws to ensure that animals’ rights are protected and those accused of maltreatment or abuse of animals in their possession are treated justly in the legal system. LD 1090 adjusts language in previous statute to ensure that law enforcement can adequately enforce Maine’s animal cruelty laws.

“Animals rights are important to me. My pup Pippa travels with me wherever I go, and I take care of horses at home in the County,” said Sen. Carpenter. “I’m glad that the Criminal Justice Committee has supported this bill to make sure we do everything we can to protect the rights of our furry friends.”

“The majority of states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, have similar laws in place,” said Katie Hansberry, the Maine senior state director of The Humane Society. “With the passage of LD 1090, Maine’s [animal cruelty law] will be one of the most effective and fairest in the country. We’ve seen this process in action across the country, and we know the difference it can make for animals, local agencies and taxpayers.”

The bill now faces votes before the Maine Senate and House.

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