An Act To Regulate the Keeping of Wolf Hybrids
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 0011
Committee Amendment CA_A_S50 (Senate)
Amends: 7 MRSA §3907, 7 MRSA §3911-A, 7 MRSA §3911-B, 7 MRSA §3914, 7 MRSA §3919-B, 7 MRSA §3921-A, 7 MRSA §3921-B, 7 MRSA §3922, 7 MRSA §3923-G, 7 MRSA §4153, 12 MRSA §12160, 17 MRSA §1011

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A "to S.P. 26, L.D. 11, Bill, "An Act To Regulate 
the Keeping of Wolf Hybrids" 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the 
emergency clause and inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3907, sub-§8-A, as amended by PL 2009, c. 403, §1, is further 
amended to read: 
8-A. Breeding kennel. "Breeding kennel" means a location where 5 or more adult 
female dogs, "volf hybrids or cats capable of breeding are kept and some or all of the 
offspring are offered for sale, sold or exchanged for value or a location where more than 
dogs or cats raised on the premises are sold to the public in a 12-month period. 
"Breeding kennel" does not include a kennel licensed by a municipality under section 
3923-C when the dogs are kept primarily for hunting, show, training, sledding, 
competition, field trials or exhibition purposes and not more than 16 dogs are offered for 
sale, sold or exchanged for value within a 12-month period. 
Sec. 2. 
MRSA §3907, sub-§12-C, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 690, §5, is 
amended to read: 
12-C. 
Dog. 
"Dog" means a member of the genus and species known as canis 
familiaris, except that in chapters 720, 721, 725, 727, 729 and 739 "dog" means a 
member of the genus and species known as canis familiaris or any canine, regardless of 
generation, resulting from the interbreeding of a member of canis familiaris with a wolf 
hybrid as defined in subsection 30. 
Sec. 3. 7 MRSA §3907, sub-§12-D, as amended by PL 2007, c. 702, §4, is 
1 
further amended to read: 
12-0. Dangerous dog. "Dangerous dog" means a dog or wolf hybrid that bites an 
individual or a domesticated animal who is not trespassing on the dog or wolf hybrid 
owner's or keeper's premises at the time of the bite or a dog or wolf hybrid that causes a 
reasonable and prudent person who is not on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's 
premises and is acting in a reasonable and nonaggressive manner to fear imminent bodily 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A "to S.P. 26, L.D. 11 
injury by assaulting or threatening to assault that individual or individual's domestic 
animal. "Dangerous dog" does not include a dog certified by the State and used for law 
enforcement use. "Dangerous dog" does not include a dog or wolf hybrid that bites or 
threatens to assault an individual who is on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's 
premises if the dog or wolf hybrid has no prior history of assault and was provoked by the 
individual immediately prior to the bite or threatened assault. 
For the purposes of this definition, "dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises" 
means the residence or residences, including buildings and land and motor vehicles, 
belonging to the owner or keeper of the dog or wolf hybrid. 
Sec. 4. 7 MRSA §3907, sub-§17, as amended by PL 2009, c. 343, §4, is further 
amended to read: 
17. Kennel. "Kennel" means 5 or more dogs or '.volf hybrids kept in a single 
location under one ownership for breeding, hunting, show, training, field trials, sledding, 
competition or exhibition purposes. The sale or exchange of one litter of puppies within a 
12-month period alone does not constitute the operation of a kennel. 
Sec. 5. 7 MRSA §3911-A, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 129, §I, is amended to read: 
§3911-A. Abandonment of wolf hybrid 
A person who abandons a wolf hybrid licensed under section 3922 commits a civil 
violation for which a forfeiture fine not to exceed $1,000 may be adjudged. A person 
who abandons a wolf hybrid not licensed under section 3922 commits a civil violation for 
which a fine of $1 ,000 must be adjudged and may also be subject to a penalty under Title 
12, section 12153. For the purposes of this section "abandon" means to desert. For 
enforcement purposes a wolf hybrid is abandoned if the animal is found a distance of 
more than 5 miles from the premises of the owner and is not under the control of any 
person. 
Sec. 6. 7 MRSA §3911-B is enacted to read: 
§3911-B. Disposition of wolf hybrid at large 
The owner or keeper of a wolf hybrid found at large commits a civil violation. An 
animal control officer or person acting in that capacity shall seize, impound or restrain a 
wolf hybrid found at large and proceed under this section. 
1. Owner of wolf hybrid located. If a wolf hybrid at large is licensed under section 
3922, subsection 3-B or its owner can otherwise be identified and located, an animal 
control officer or person acting in that capacity shall take the wolf hybrid to its owner and 
issue citations for violations of this Part. 
2. Unable to locate owner. If an animal at large is permanently identified as a wolf 
hybrid in accordance with section 392l-A but the owner of record cannot be located, an 
animal control officer or person acting in that capacity shall take the wolf hybrid to the 
animal shelter designated by the respective municipality in which the wolf hybrid was 
found. 
An animal shelter that accepts a wolf hybrid under this subsection is entitled to receive 
from the department the sum of $4 a day for the period for which food and shelter are 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A" to s.P. 26, L.D. II 
furnished, not to exceed 6 days. The animal shelter's responsibilities and the procedure 
for filing claims and calculating fees established under section 3913, subsection 3 apply 
to wolf hybrids accepted under this subsection. Upon expiration of the 6-day period, 
ownership of the wolf hybrid is vested in the animal shelter. The animal shelter shall: 
A. Transfer ownership of the wolf hybrid to a person holding a permit to possess 
wildlife under Title 12, section 12152 and authorized to accept wolf hybrids in 
compliance with rules adopted under Title 12, section 12160, subsection 2; 
B. Transfer ownership of the wolf hybrid to a person who operates an animal refuge 
in another state and is licensed to accept wolf hybrids; or 
C. After keeping the wolf hybrid for 8 days, euthanize the wolf hybrid humanely in 
accordance with Title 17, chapter 42, subchapter 4. 
3. Owner unknown. If an animal suspected of being a wolf hybrid is found at large 
and that animal is not licensed under section 3922 and does not bear any identification of 
the owner, an animal control officer or person acting in that capacity shall notify the 
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and request assistance in the capture and 
disposition of the animal under Title 12, section 12160. 
4. 
Euthanasia for severely sick, severely injured or extremely vicious wolf 
hybrid. Notwithstanding subsections 1, 2 and 3, a humane agent, an animal control 
officer or an animal shelter within the State may authorize in writing immediate 
euthanasia of a severely sick, severely injured or extremely vicious wolf hybrid upon 
determining that the following conditions are met: 
A. The clerk, dog recorder or animal control officer of the respective municipality 
where the wolf hybrid was found has been notified of the animal's presence and the 
owner of the wolf hybrid, if known, has been notified; and 
B. A veterinarian states in writing that the wolf hybrid's recovery from its injury or 
illness, given reasonable time and reasonable care, is doubtful or that the wolf hybrid 
presents a danger to the pUblic. 
Notwithstanding paragraphs A and B, a veterinarian may authorize immediate euthanasia 
if, in the veterinarian's jUdgment, the wolf hybrid is severely injured or sick and has no 
possibility of recovery. 
5. Immunity from civil liability. A veterinarian, a humane agent, an animal control 
officer or an animal shelter is not civilly liable to any party for authorization made in 
accordance with subsection 4 nor is any person performing euthanasia under that 
authorization. 
Sec. 7. 7 MRSA §3914, as amended by PL 2007, c. 439, §7, is further amended by 
adding at the end a new paragraph to read: 
A wolf hybrid may not be sold or exchanged for value. Ownership of a wolf hybrid 
may be transferred only in accordance with section 3911-B or section 3921-B, subsection 
1. 
Sec. 8. 7 MRSA §3919-B, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 405, §9, is amended 
to read: 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A "to S.P. 26, L.D. 11 
3. Transfer of ownership; disposition of pet. If an owner fails to arrange for 
release of a pet in accordance with subsection 2 within 10 days of the pet's acceptance by 
the shelter, ownership of the pet is vested with the animal shelter upon expiration of the 
10-day period and the animal shelter may: 
A. G.ffeF Except for a wolf hybrid, offer the pet for adoption or sell or give away the 
pet; or 
B. Dispose of the pet humanely in accordance with Title 17, chapter 42, subchapter 
4. 
An animal shelter may not sell or give a pet to a research facility. An animal shelter may 
not sell, give away or offer for adoption a wolf hybrid. Ownership of a wolf hybrid may 
be transferred only in accordance with section 3921-B, subsection 3. 
Sec. 9. 7 MRSA §3921-A, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 129, §2, is amended to read: 
§3921-A. Permanent identification of wolf hybrids 
The commissioner shall adopt rules to establish methods of identifying wolf hybrids 
through tattooing, the placement of a microchip under the animal's skin or any other 
method determined by the commissioner as adequately providing a permanent means of 
identification on the body of the animal. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are 
routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter H--A 2-A. A person 
may not own or keep a wolf hybrid under section 3921-B, subsection 2 or under Title 12, 
section 12152 unless the animal has identification in compliance with the rules adopted 
under this section. 
Sec. 10. 7 MRSA §3921-B is enacted to read: 
§3921-B. Prohibition on keeping a wolfhybridj exception 
1. Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection 2, a person may not keep a wolf 
hybrid in the State unless that person holds a valid permit to possess wildlife in captivity 
issued by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife under Title 12, section 12152. 
2. Exception. A person keeping a wolf hybrid as a pet and in compliance with all 
applicable provisions in this Part on June 1, 2011 may continue to keep that wolf hybrid 
as long as the following conditions are met: 
A. The wolf hybrid has been spayed or neutered; and 
B. The owner continues to license the wolf hybrid in accordance with section 3922, 
subsection 3-B. 
3. Restrictions on transfer. A person keeping a wolf hybrid under subsection 2 
may transfer ownership of the wolf hybrid to a person: 
A. Holding a permit to possess wildlife under Title 12, section 12152 and authorized 
to accept wolf hybrids in compliance with rules adopted under Title 12, section 
12160, subsection 2; 
B. Who operates an animal refuge in another state that is licensed to accept wolf 
hybrids; or 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to S,P, 26, LD, 11 
C. Who has had direct contact with the wolf hybrid, is familiar with the wolf hybrid's 
behavior and has been advised of the reporting requirement under subsection 4 and 
licensing laws under section 3922. 
A person transferring ownership of a wolf hybrid under this subsection shall within 10 
days of the transfer notify the department and provide the name and address of the person 
accepting the transfer. 
4. Duty to report death. The owner of a wolf hybrid kept under subsection 2 shall 
notify the department of the wolf hybrid's death on a form prescribed by the department 
within 30 days of the wolf hybrid's death. 
5. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which 
a fine of $2,500 may be adjudged. 
Sec. 11. 
MRSA §3922, sub-§3-B, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 129, §3, is 
amended to read: 
3-B. Proof of permanent identification and other restrictions on licensing a wolf 
hybrid. A municipal clerk may not issue a license for a wolf hybrid until the applicant 
has filed with the clerk proof that the wolf hybrid has been permanently identified in 
accordance with section 3921 A..;. 
A. The wolf hybrid has been permanently identified in accordance with section 
392I-A; 
B. The wolf hybrid has been spayed or neutered; and 
C. The wolf hybrid was licensed in this State in 20 II by: 
(I) June 1, 2011 if the wolf hybrid was 6 months old or older on June I, 20 II; or 
(2) December 31, 2011 if the wolf hybrid was less than 6 months old on June 1, 
2011. 
Sec. 12. 7 MRSA §3923-G, sub-§6 is enacted to read: 
6. Exclusion of wolf hybrids. This section does not apply to the licensing of a wolf 
hybrid. A person owning a wolf hybrid shall obtain a license from the municipal clerk or 
the dog recorder for the municipality, plantation or unorganized territory in which the 
person owning the wolf hybrid resides. 
Sec. 13. 7 MRS A §3931-B, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 129, §4, is repealed. 
Sec. 14. 7 MRS A §4151, sub-§I, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 589, §1, is amended 
to read: 
1. Animal. "Animal" means a dog, wholly or in part of the species canis familiaris, 
or a cat, wholly or in part of the species felis domesticus. 
Sec. 15. 7 MRSA §4153, as amended by PL 2007, c. 702, §24, is further amended 
by adding at the end a new paragraph to read: 
A seller may not sell a wolf hybrid. 
Sec. 16. 12 MRSA §12160 is enacted to read: 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A" to S.P. 26, L.D. 11 
§12160. Disposition ofwolfhyhrids 
1. Determination of species. The department shall respond to requests under Title 
7, section 3911-B, subsection 3 for assistance in capturing and disposing of an animal 
suspected of being a wolf hybrid. The department may presume that the animal is a wolf 
hybrid if: 
A. Licensure as a dog under Title 7, section 3922 cannot be confirmed; 
B. The animal bears no identification indicating ownership; and 
C. The animal has distinct wolflike characteristics. 
The department may pursue genetic testing to determine if the animal is a wolf or wolf 
hybrid. 
2. 
Rulemaking. 
The department shall adopt rules establishing procedures for 
disposing of animals determined to be wolf hybrids under subsection I. For the purposes 
of this section, "disposing" includes, but is not limited to. transferring the animal to a 
person holding a permit under section 12152 or euthanasia in accordance with Title 17, 
chapter 42, subchapter 4. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules 
as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
Sec. 17. 17 MRSA §1011, sub-§8-A, as amended by PL 2009, c. 403, §ll, is 
further amended to read: 
8-A. Breeding kennel. "Breeding kennel" means a location where 5 or more adult 
dogs, wolf hybrids or cats capable of breeding are kept and some or all of the offspring 
are offered for sale, sold or exchanged for value or a location where more than 16 dogs or 
cats raised on the premises are sold to the public in a 12-month period. "Breeding kennel" 
does not include a kennel licensed by a municipality under Title 7, section 3923-C when 
the dogs are kept primarily for hunting, show, training, sledding, competition, field trials 
or exhibition purposes and not more than 16 dogs are offered for sale, sold or exchanged 
for value within a 12-month period. 
Sec. 18. 17 MRSA §1011, sub-§17, as amended by PL 2009, c. 343, §25, is 
further amended to read: 
17. 
Kennel. "Kennel" means 5 or more dogs or wolf hybrids kept in a single 
location under one ownership for breeding, hunting, show, training, field trials, sledding, 
competition or exhibition purposes. The sale or exchange of one litter of puppies within a 
12-month period alone does not constitute the operation of a kennel. 
Sec. 19. Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to require a permit 
to possess wolf hybrids. The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall 
amend rules adopted under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 12152 to require 
a permit for the importation and possession of wolf hybrids as defined in Title 7, section 
3907, subsection 30. The commissioner shall establish confinement standards in rule that 
prevent escape of a wolf hybrid and restrict unauthorized humans from having contact 
with a wolf hybrid kept under a permit. The rule must recognize the exception for wolf 
hybrids kept as pets under Title 7, section 392I-B, subsection 2. Rules adopted under this 
section must be in effect no later than July 1,2012. 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A" to S.P. 26, L.D. 11 
Sec. 20. Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to assist 
in identifying wolf hybrids kept as pets. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Food, 
and Rural Resources shall periodically update the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and 
Wildlife on the number and location of wolf hybrids licensed under the Maine Revised 
Statutes, Title 7, section 3922, subsection 3-B. Upon determining that all of the wolf 
hybrids kept as pets under that provision have died, the commissioner, in consultation 
with the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, shall submit a bill to repeal the 
exception under Title 7, section 3921-B, subsection 2 and clarify that a permit issued by 
the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is required to keep any wolf hybrid in 
captivity. 
Sec. 21. Transition provisions. The following transition provisions apply. 
1. The Companion Animal Sterilization Fund established under the Maine Revised 
Statutes, Title 7, section 3910-B may be used for the spaying and neutering of wolf 
hybrids until February 1, 2012. 
2. Until July 1, 2012, a person operating a facility licensed as an animal shelter under 
Title 7, section 3932-A and functioning as a refuge exclusively for wolf hybrids on April 
1,2011 may: 
A. Accept wolf hybrids from other animal shelters licensed under Title 7, section 
3932-A; and 
B. Accept ownership of a wolf hybrid directly from an owner when the wolf hybrid 
was living with its owner in this State in 2011. 
3. A person operating a facility licensed as an animal shelter under Title 7, section 
3932-A and functioning as a refuge exclusively for wolf hybrids on April 1, 2011 must 
obtain a permit to possess wildlife under Title 12, section 12152 no later than December 
31, 2012 to continue keeping wolf hybrids.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the bill. It prohibits the keeping of a wolf hybrid without a 
permit for keeping wildlife in captivity issued by the Department of Inland Fisheries and 
Wildlife. It provides an exception to the prohibition for wolf hybrids that are kept as pets 
and licensed under the dog licensing statutes in 2011. 
It enacts provisions for the 
disposition of wolf hybrids that are found at large. A shelter that accepts a wolf hybrid 
that is not claimed by its owner within 6 days may transfer ownership to a person holding 
a permit to possess wildlife in captivity or a person who operates a licensed animal refuge 
outside the State or after 8 days may have the animal euthanized. 
It directs the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to adopt rules to regulate 
the importation and possession of wolf hybrids and establish confinement standards to 
protect the public. It directs the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources 
to update the Commissioner ofInland Fisheries and Wildlife on the status of wolf hybrids 
kept as pets and to submit a bill to update statutory provisions pertaining to the keeping of 
wolf hybrids when all animals kept as pets under these provisions are deceased. 
It amends the definition of "dog" to distinguish between dogs and wolf hybrids under 
certain chapters of the animal welfare laws while continuing to include wolf hybrids in 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to S.P. 26, L.D. II 
the definition of "dog" in others. It allows a licensed animal shelter that is functioning as 
a wolf hybrid refuge in this State to continue to accept wolf hybrids from within the State 
until July 1, 2012. 
The facility must obtain a permit to possess wildlife from the 
Department ofInland Fisheries and Wildlife by December 31,2012. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 04/08111 
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LD 11 
LR 170(02) 
An Act To Regulate the Keeping of Wolf Hybrids 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" 5-150 
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Minor revenue increase - General Fund 
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements 
Establishes new civil violations. 
The collection of additional fines may also increase General Fund revenue by minor amounts. 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Additional costs to the Departments of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 
associated with this legislation can be absorbed with existing staff and within existing budgeted resources. 
LRO 170(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1