Law requires proper pet care
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
The temperatures have been dangerously cold. I highly suggest bringing your pets inside, but if that is not possible, it is law that you must provide proper shelter. Just so we are all clear as to what they are, below you will find the actual law.
§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).]
• Indoor standards. Minimum indoor standards of shelter shall be as follows: A. The ambient temperature shall be compatible with the health of the animal. [1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).] B. Indoor housing facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical means to provide for the health of the animal at all times. [1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]
• 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, 5A 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. [2011, c. 76, §1 (AMD).] C. [2007, c. 702, §16 (RP).]
• 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).]
• Humanely clean conditions. Minimum standards of sanitation necessary to provide humanely clean conditions for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include periodic cleanings to remove excretions and other waste materials, dirt and trash to minimize health hazards.
Make sure your standards measure up. Now you have the information, so if you see an animal in distress or with substandard housing, please call your local ACO.
Having problems with your dog and his behavior? Unfortunately with this cold weather it is hard to get them out for long, but the problem may lie with a lack of exercise. Dogs are very intelligent animals and they thrive when they have plenty to do. Yes, there are some dogs that are “couch potatoes” but when given the choice, most dogs want to be active. A bored and under-exercised dog is more likely to chew or be destructive, just looking for something to do. I have had people tell me that they don’t want to have their dogs spayed or neutered because they become fat. Dogs don’t become fat from spaying or neutering; they become fat from being over-fed and under-exercised. A tired dog is generally a good dog.
Most dogs were bred to perform specific jobs, such as guarding, herding or hunting — work that demands physical stamina and mental concentration. When we choose to bring an animal into our homes, it becomes our responsibility to meet the behavioral needs of that dog by providing an outlet that is appropriate to his physical and mental energy. Some dogs that become bored and have no outlet for their energy can become self-mutilators or adopt bad or dangerous habits.
Enjoy your dog, keep their minds and bodies healthy and everyone will be happy.
If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Pease have your pets spayed or neutered.
