2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS › Part 9: ANIMAL WELFARE › Chapter 719: UNCONTROLLED DOGS › 7 §3911-B. Disposition of wolf hybrid at large

§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.   [PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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.
[PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
2.  Unable to locate owner.
If an animal at large is permanently identified as a wolf hybrid in accordance with section 3921‑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 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;   [PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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   [PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
C. After keeping the wolf hybrid for 8 days, euthanize the wolf hybrid humanely in accordance with Title 17, chapter 42, subchapter 4.   [PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
[PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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.
[PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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   [PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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.   [PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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.
[PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
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.
[PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2011, c. 100, §6 (NEW).