Maine has a law regarding outside housing : it needs to consist of a four (4) sided structure and roof made of waterproof and wind proof material with an R factor of .9 (example: .9=3/4” thickness of wood). The article states it is plywood. Most common plywood is 1/2 inch. I don’t know how thick the plywood is that he is using, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s not 3/4” thick. Plywood is also not waterproof in it’s natural state. The law also states that the portal of entry of sufficient size to allow the dogs unimpeded passage which shall include baffled or appropriate sheltered entrance. The opening must face south or the direction away from which most wind driven precipitation comes from. It also must have a solid floor at least 3 inches above ground level, with clean and sufficient bedding material to retain the animals normal body heat. At -20 degrees, a dog is vulnerable to hyperthermia and frostbite.
The animal welfare program will, upon written complaint by ANY person alleging violation will cause an investigation to be made. If a violation is found to exist , the animal welfare program or attorney general may seek enforcement remedies including but not limited to revocation or suspension. I made a complaint today and I suggest everyone else to. You can write a formal complaint to animal.welfare@maine.gov
In the complaint, it does need your name and phone number. It also needs to include the name of the animals owner’s physical address and a description of possible violations. Let’s all come together and do the right thing - make the complaints. There’s power in numbers. We have the power to make the change, but it needs to be a community effort.
You can also contact Kathleen Bernard. She is on the Maine Animal Welfare Advisory Council. She must own a pet and represent the interests of the public in animal welfare.
Bonnie Martinolich is also on the council. She is an attorney and has to have experience in Animal Welfare Laws.
Sharon St. John represents licensed breeding kennels in Maine. She is another person to file a complaint with.
I don’t know the circumstances of the owner, but he called his dogs ‘his babies’. Would you leave a baby outside in -20 degrees? Disability or mental health issues (hoarding) does not justify this issue. It needs to be addressed.
1bahamasnow t1_j7xsr9z wrote
Reply to comment by Coffee-FlavoredSweat in Despite concerns as temperatures plummeted last weekend, officials say dogs in Somerset County are fine by benpinette
Maine has a law regarding outside housing : it needs to consist of a four (4) sided structure and roof made of waterproof and wind proof material with an R factor of .9 (example: .9=3/4” thickness of wood). The article states it is plywood. Most common plywood is 1/2 inch. I don’t know how thick the plywood is that he is using, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s not 3/4” thick. Plywood is also not waterproof in it’s natural state. The law also states that the portal of entry of sufficient size to allow the dogs unimpeded passage which shall include baffled or appropriate sheltered entrance. The opening must face south or the direction away from which most wind driven precipitation comes from. It also must have a solid floor at least 3 inches above ground level, with clean and sufficient bedding material to retain the animals normal body heat. At -20 degrees, a dog is vulnerable to hyperthermia and frostbite.
The animal welfare program will, upon written complaint by ANY person alleging violation will cause an investigation to be made. If a violation is found to exist , the animal welfare program or attorney general may seek enforcement remedies including but not limited to revocation or suspension. I made a complaint today and I suggest everyone else to. You can write a formal complaint to animal.welfare@maine.gov In the complaint, it does need your name and phone number. It also needs to include the name of the animals owner’s physical address and a description of possible violations. Let’s all come together and do the right thing - make the complaints. There’s power in numbers. We have the power to make the change, but it needs to be a community effort.
You can also contact Kathleen Bernard. She is on the Maine Animal Welfare Advisory Council. She must own a pet and represent the interests of the public in animal welfare.
Bonnie Martinolich is also on the council. She is an attorney and has to have experience in Animal Welfare Laws.
Sharon St. John represents licensed breeding kennels in Maine. She is another person to file a complaint with.
I don’t know the circumstances of the owner, but he called his dogs ‘his babies’. Would you leave a baby outside in -20 degrees? Disability or mental health issues (hoarding) does not justify this issue. It needs to be addressed.