An Act To Promote Safety with Respect to Touching Livestock or Other Animals
Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1562-A is enacted to read:
§ 1562-A. Touching livestock and other animals by the general public
For purposes of this section, "livestock" has the same meaning as in section 2511, subsection 25.
summary
This bill requires a person who makes livestock or any other animal, including fowl, available for touching by the general public to provide suitable hand washing facilities or disinfectant for members of the public to sanitize their hands. The bill also requires that the person post signs at certain places informing the public of the necessity of washing or sanitizing hands after touching animals and of the location of the hand washing facilities or disinfectant. This bill does not apply if the animal that is touched is a cat, dog or other animal commonly used as a domestic pet or if the touching of livestock or other animal is in a private setting by a guest or social invitee of or someone who is familiar with the person who allows the touching of livestock or another animal.