Bill > LD133

This bill amends Maine's laws regarding nuisance dogs by expanding the definition of a "nuisance dog" to include dogs or wolf hybrids that disturb an individual's peace through excessive barking, howling, or yelping, provided the individual is not trespassing on the owner's property. The bill also updates the complaint procedure for reporting nuisance dogs, explicitly authorizing individuals to file a written complaint with a sheriff, local law enforcement officer, or animal control officer within 30 days of an incident. The new complaint categories now include not just physical assaults or property damage, but also situations involving excessive noise that disrupts an individual's peace. Importantly, the bill maintains existing protections for law enforcement dogs, dogs defending their owners' property, and dogs provoked by trespassers. The amendments provide clearer guidelines for addressing problematic dog behavior and give individuals more formal avenues to report dogs that create persistent disturbances, while ensuring that complaints are investigated and documented by local authorities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=133&snum=132