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Public Comment Period: Citizen's Petition: Proposed Changes to Chapter 701, Rules Governing Animal Welfare
Division / Program: Animal and Plant Health, Animal Welfare
Date: November 11, 2026 - December 14, 2026
Event Type: Public Meeting/Hearing, Public Comment
BRIEF SUMMARY: This rule is not proposed by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Animal Welfare Program. It is proposed by a non-profit organization that submitted a rulemaking petition containing 150 or more signatures of registered Maine voters. The petitioners have presented this as an amendment adding a new section to the existing Chapter 701 Rules Governing Animal Welfare. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry does not read this petition to replace the entirety of the existing Chapter 701 Rules. Under 5 M.R.S. 8055, the agency is required to initiate rulemaking proceedings and invite public comment on the proposed Rule. Because the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestrys Animal Welfare Program is not the author of the proposed rule, it cannot speak to the principal reason or purpose for proposing this rule.
PUBLIC HEARING (include day, date, time, and location): Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 2-3 pm, Marquardt Building, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta, ME 04330, Room 118.
COMMENT DEADLINE (include day, date, and time): December 14, 2026
Contact Name: Ronda Steciuk
Contact Email: ronda.steciuk@maine.gov
Related Documents
Notice of Agency Rulemaking Proposal (PDF)
Proposed Chapter 701 Rulemaking Aquaculture Text (PDF)
If you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact us at dacf@maine.gov or (207) 287-3200 at least 5 days prior to the event.