CHAPTER 422

H.P. 1036 - L.D. 1473

An Act To Strengthen the Animal Welfare Laws

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3909, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 456, §3, is amended to read:

1. Attorney General and District Attorneys. Whenever a person has engaged in or is about to engage in an act or practice that constitutes a violation of this Act Part, a rule adopted pursuant to this Act Part or a condition of an order, license or permit approved or decision issued by the commissioner pursuant to this Act Part, or that constitutes a violation of chapter 739 or Title 17, chapter 42, the Attorney General or a District Attorney, at the request of the commissioner, may institute proceedings before the District Court or Superior Court for an order enjoining those acts or practices, an order directing compliance or imposing a civil or criminal penalty, or any combination of these actions, as provided by law. Upon a showing by the commissioner that the person has engaged or is about to engage in such an act or practice, the court may grant a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order or other order as appropriate.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA c. 720, as amended, is further amended by repealing the chapter headnote and enacting the following in its place: