(2) If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under weather conditions that adversely affect the health of the dog, a shelter, consisting of a 4-sided structure, of suitable size with a floor above ground and waterproof roof must be provided to accommodate the dog and protect it from the weather and, in particular, from severe cold. There must be a portal entry of sufficient size to allow the animal unimpeded passage into and out of the structure.__The portal entry must include a baffle, or the passage of entrance must be constructed in a manner to provide a sheltered entrance.__The shelter must have clean bedding material sufficient to retain the animal's normal body heat. Inadequate shelter may be indicated by the shivering of the dog due to cold weather for a continuous period of 30 minutes.

Sec. 4. 17 MRSA §1037, sub-§2, ¶D is enacted to read:

D.__When an animal is confined by a chain or similar device, the chain must be attached to both the animal and the anchor by swivels or similar devices to prevent the chain from becoming entangled or twisted.__The chain or similar device must be attached to a well-fitting collar or harness that does not cut into the animal's flesh or impinge on the animal's circulation or ability to ingest food or water or to vocalize.__The chain must be at least 5 times the length of the animal from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the type of shelter that must be available for a dog to protect it from inclement weather. The bill also establishes requirements for the type of device that confines the animal.