ME LD1771

Transfers kennel licensing authority from municipalities to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, requiring annual state-issued licenses that expire December 31st

Establishes tiered kennel license fees based on number of dogs: $50 for 5-10 dogs, $100 for 11-20 dogs, and $150 for 21 or more dogs, with 20% of fees returned to the municipality's animal welfare account

Increases license fees for other animal facilities: breeding kennels raised to $125-$200 (from $75-$150), boarding kennels to $125 (from $75), animal shelters to $125 (from $100), and pet shops to $200 (from $150)

Requires annual inspections by local animal control officers or humane agents, along with rabies vaccination certificates and background checks for all license applicants

Allocates $21,577 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Animal Welfare Fund and mandates department reports to the Legislature by January 15th in 2026, 2027, and 2028