Sec. A-7. 7 MRSA c. 721, as amended, is repealed.

Sec. A-8. 7 MRSA c. 721-A is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 721-A

IMMUNIZATION OF CANINES

§3926.__Immunization

1.__Immunization required.__Except as provided in subsection 4, a dog may not be kept within the limits of the State unless the dog has been immunized against rabies in accordance with rules adopted by the Commissioner of Human Services, except that the requirement of immunization may be waived under conditions set forth by the Commissioner of Human Services.

2.__Rabies tags.__An owner shall ensure that a rabies tag obtained from a veterinarian for immunization against rabies is securely attached to a collar of leather, metal or material of comparable strength and that the collar is worn at all times by the dog for which the rabies tag was issued, except as provided in subsection 3.

3.__Rabies tag exceptions.__A dog is not required to wear a rabies tag when on the premises of the owner or off the premises of the owner while hunting, in training or in an exhibition.__When a dog is hunting, in training or in an exhibition, its owner or keeper shall produce proof of rabies immunization within 24 hours upon request by a humane agent, animal control officer or law enforcement officer, including a game warden.

4.__Exception to immunization requirement for wolf hybrids.__ The immunization requirement under subsection 1 may be waived upon application to the Commissioner of Human Services for wolf hybrids.__A dog that has been declared a wolf hybrid must be treated as a wolf hybrid in accordance with Title 22, chapter 251, subchapter 5.

5.__Rulemaking.__The Commissioner of Human Services shall adopt rules to implement this section, including application forms for proof of immunization provided by another state and waiver of immunization.__Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules under Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.