Bill > H4365

This bill updates animal health inspection regulations by introducing a new category called "personal breeder kennel" defined as a premise with 3 or more intact female dogs kept for breeding and selling offspring, distinguishing it from personal kennels (for private use) and commercial breeder kennels (selling to wholesalers). The bill requires the department of agricultural resources to develop comprehensive rules for both commercial and personal breeder kennels, ensuring proper animal care standards including housing, nutrition, veterinary care, and socialization. The regulations will allow inspections between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. with some flexibility, and inspectors can conduct surprise visits if necessary. If a kennel is found to be non-compliant, the commissioner or authorized inspector can issue citations, suspend, or revoke the kennel's license, with an appeals process available through district court or administrative law appeals. The department must develop these regulations within 18 months of the act's effective date and provide updated guidelines and training to local licensing authorities and animal control officers to ensure proper enforcement.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4365