Yes, it is strange. To give you some idea of who we're dealing with in terms of the Director of Animal Welfare, read the e-mail below from 2004 during discussions about amending the rabies requirement from 2 to 3 years which I successfully petitioned the state to change.
Imagine having a
criminal record for being tardy in boostering your dog!
----- Original Message -----
From: Worley, Norma J
To: Haines, Philip W. ; Doak, Shelley ; 'jaustin@memun.org' ; 'Lousie Lester (E-mail)' ; Gensheimer, Kathleen F. ; Gholson, Robert ; Mosher, Peter ; Fraser, Christine ; Hoenig, Donald E ; 'Bill Bryant (E-mail)'
Cc: 'Peter & Kris Christine' ; Mills, Dora A. ; Gauvreau, Paul
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 3:44 PM
Subject: RE: First Draft of amended rule
Phil,
I like the look of this rule!
I am considering drafting legislation that
would make it a criminal or civil violation not to have a current rabies
vaccination for dogs and cats. This way if the owner does allow the rabies
vaccination to expire after licensing the dog it would be a separate offense
and the owner could be summons to court.
What's everyone's thought on this?
njw
Norma J. Worley
Director
Animal Welfare Program
28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
(207) 287-3846
norma.j.worley@maine.gov