Sec. 1. 7 MRSA c. 730-A, as amended, is further amended by repealing the chapter headnote and enacting the following in its place:

CHAPTER 730-A

BREEDING, SALE AND TRANSPORTATION OF SMALL MAMMALS

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §3970-B is enacted to read:

§3970-B. Breeding and sale of small mammals

1.__Rulemaking. The commissioner shall adopt major substantive rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A to regulate the breeding and sale of small mammals, including, but not limited to, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.__The rules must reflect the standards of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for the care of small mammals.

2. Penalty.__A person who violates the rules adopted under this section commits a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $100 per violation may be adjudged.

SUMMARY

This bill is the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. It directs the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to adopt rules concerning the breeding and sale of small mammals, including guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.