4. Rules. Each applicant obtaining a permit under this section is subject to the rules adopted by the commissioner chief humane agent on the weight and size of animals, age of participants, length of event and such other requirements as the commissioner chief humane agent considers necessary.

Sec. 26. 7 MRSA §4017, as amended by PL 1997, c. 690, §46, is further amended to read:

§4017. Rules

The commissioner chief humane agent may adopt any rules necessary or useful to carry out this chapter pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375.

Sec. 27. 7 MRSA §4018, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 422, §11, is amended to read:

1. Report by veterinarian. A veterinarian licensed in accordance with Title 32, chapter 71-A who, while acting in a professional capacity, has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is the subject of cruelty or neglect in violation of this chapter or Title 17, chapter 42, may report the suspected violation to the commissioner chief humane agent, the commissioner's chief humane agent's designee, an animal control officer, attorney for the State or law enforcement officer. A veterinarian making a report under this section may appear and testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the condition or care of the animal.

Sec. 28. 17 MRSA §1011, sub-§9-A is enacted to read:

9-A.__Chief humane agent.__"Chief humane agent" means the chief humane agent within the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.

Sec. 29. 17 MRSA §1011, sub-§11, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 383, §4, is repealed.

Sec. 30. 17 MRSA §1021, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 690, §62, is further amended to read:

1. Possession. A state veterinarian, humane agent, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, animal control officer, person authorized to make arrests or the commissioner chief humane agent may apply to the District Court or the Superior Court for authorization: