| | | 6.__Dogs confined by tethering for long time periods.__In | | addition to the requirements of subsection 2, paragraph B, | | subparagraph (2), when tethering is the primary means of | | confinement for a dog, the standards for shelter and tethering | | are as follows: |
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| | | A.__A shelter must be provided that is fully enclosed except | | for a portal.__The portal must be of a sufficient size to | | allow the dog unimpeded passage into and out of the | | structure.__For dogs other than arctic breeds, the portal | | must be constructed in a manner that keeps wind and | | precipitation out of the interior.__The shelter must have | | clean bedding material sufficient to retain the dog's normal | | body heat; and |
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| | | B.__The chain or tether must be attached to both the dog and | | the anchor using swivels or similar devices that prevent the | | chain or tether from becoming entangled or twisted.__The | | chain or tether must be attached to a well-fitted collar or | | harness on the dog.__For dogs other than arctic breeds, the | | chain or tether must be at least 5 times the length of the | | dog measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its | | tail.__For arctic breeds, the chain or tether must be at | | least 2.5 times the length of the dog measured from the tip | | of its nose to the base of its tail. |
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| | | For the purposes of this subsection, "primary means of | | confinement" means the method used to confine a dog for periods | | of time that exceed 12 hours in a 24-hour period.__For the | | purposes of this subsection, "arctic breeds" means Siberian | | Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and other dogs with a | | double-layered coat and bred to live in an arctic climate. |
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| | | Sec. 3. 17 MRSA §1037, sub-§2, ¶B, as amended by PL 1997, c. 456, §18, | | is further amended to read: |
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| | B. Except as provided in subsection | | shelter from inclement weather must be as follows. |
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| | | (1) An artificial shelter, with a minimum of 3 sides and a | | waterproof roof, appropriate to the local climatic | | conditions for the species concerned must be provided | | as necessary for the health of the animal. |
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| | | | (2) If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under | | weather conditions that adversely affect the health of the dog, a | | shelter of suitable size with a floor above ground and waterproof | | roof must be provided to accommodate the dog and protect it from | | the weather and, in particular, from severe cold. Inadequate |
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