Special to the Star-Herald
We had four lovely Zhu Zhu Pets donated to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, and we are now selling raffle tickets for the furry, little critters. Tickets are one for $2 or three for $5. Zhu Zhu Pets are difficult to find in stores, so make your child’s Christmas wish come true and purchase your tickets now at the shelter!
Have a dog or cat complaint but not sure just who to call? Well, your town office or police department will have the answer, but if it is after hours, you can go to www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw/awcontacts.html and it will give you a list of animal control agents by town.
Also at that same address, you will find the Animal Welfare Law book. It is a great tool and important to know what your rights are as a dog owner but also what the state expects. For example: 7 § 4015. Proper shelter, protection from the weather and humanely clean conditions. No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to provide the animal with proper shelter, protection from the weather and humanely clean conditions as prescribed in this section. [1997, c. 456, §7 (AMD).]
2. Outdoor standards. Minimum outdoor standards of shelter are as follows.
A. When sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion of an animal tied or caged outside, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means must be provided to protect the animal from direct sunlight. As used in this paragraph, “caged” does not include farm fencing used to confine livestock. [2007, c. 439, §27 (AMD).]
B. Except as provided in subsections 5 and 6, shelter from inclement weather must be as follows.
1) An artificial shelter, with a minimum of three sides and a waterproof roof, appropriate to the local climatic conditions and for the species and breed of the animal must be provided as necessary for the health of the animal.
2) If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under weather conditions that adversely affect the health of the dog, a shelter must be provided in accordance with subsection 6, paragraph A to accommodate the dog and protect it from the weather and, in particular, from severe cold. Inadequate shelter may be indicated by the shivering of the dog due to cold weather for a continuous period of 10 minutes or by symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia. A metal barrel is not adequate shelter for a dog. [2007, c. 439, §27 (AMD).] C. [2007, c. 702, §16 (RP).] [ 2007, c. 702, §16 (AMD).]
3. Space standards. Minimum space requirements for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include the following.
A. The housing facilities shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animal from injury and to contain the animal. [1987, c. 383,§3 (NEW).]
B. Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained to provide sufficient space to allow each animal adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of overcrowding, debility, stress or abnormal behavior patterns. [1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]
OK, I know that may have seemed rather “boring” but it is important to know because we get calls all the time about dogs being left outside and people not knowing what the laws are. Now you have power in the law!
I must say that Pictures with Santa Paws was a HUGE success again this year! If you haven’t picked up your pictures, please do so soon. They make great cards for Christmas.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please consider adopting from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals that want a home for Christmas. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or you can give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered!
Happy Holidays!
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SANTA’S HELPER — Sassie, a toy poodle owned by Barbara Ganem, of Caribou, dressed for the occasion, looking like one of Santa’s elves for this photo op Dec. 5.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ODIE and his owner, Cheryl Pelletier, of Presque Isle, waited patiently for their turn to visit Santa Paws at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle Dec. 5. (More pics in a future issue.)
