(2)__A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.

Sec. E-27. 12 MRSA §13159, as amended by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §417 and affected by §422 and amended by c. 695, Pt. B, §24 and affected by Pt. C, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

§13159. Racing meets

Notwithstanding section 13155 and section 13157-A, subsection 15, subsection 16, paragraph A, subsection 17 and subsection 25, ATVs used exclusively for scheduled racing meets and operated solely on predefined race courses are exempt from the provisions of this chapter concerning registration, mufflers, snorkel kits and lights during the time of operation at these meets and at all prerace practices at the location of the meets.

PART F

Sec. F-1. 17 MRSA §1031, sub-§1-B, as amended by PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §15 and affected by Pt. X, §2, is further amended to read:

1-B. Aggravated cruelty to animals. A person is guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals if that person, in a manner manifesting a depraved indifference to animal life or suffering, intentionally, knowingly or recklessly:

A. Causes extreme physical pain to an animal;

B. Causes the death of an animal; or

C. Physically tortures an animal.

Violation of this subsection is a Class C crime. Notwithstanding Title 17-A, section 1301, the court shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000 for a first or subsequent violation of this subsection. The sentencing provisions in subsection 3-B also apply to a person convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved, except as otherwise indicated.