Sec. 4. 17 MRSA §1037, sub-§7 is enacted to read:

7.__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:

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

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:

(1)__At least 2.5 times the length of the dog measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail if the anchor is stationary; or

(2)__At least 1.5 times the length of the dog measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail if the anchor is a pivot point allowing a 360 area of movement.

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.