September 2024 Newsletter

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🍃 SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 🍃

Our earlier newsletter mistakenly stated under the Animal Welfare Advisory Council updates, “whereas the new law requiring that Help Fix ME go out to bid states that funds would be issued in advance of expenditures” and has been updated below to reflect that the statute does not speak at all to how the funds are to be provided to a third-party administrator. Rather those involved in the process were working under the assumption funds would be transferred to the administer prior to incurring expenses. We apologize for any confusion!

Happy fall to you all! 🐶🍂🐱

As you know, we have been working hard on our rebrand. Our project groups are busy brainstorming ways we can better engage the community and share resources more effectively statewide. We are very excited with what’s to come, and look forward to the collaboration efforts with you all moving forward!
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Did you miss it? 👀

The Humane Society of the United States and Maine Humane hosted a free webinar on advocating for pet-inclusive housing in August. Although this webinar focuses on Maine, all are encouraged to take a peek.

Learn about the sweeping impact of restrictive housing policies, how service providers can support their community, and strategies for advocacy and engagement.
Passcode: e@2!&wVv

Watch Here

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On September 18th, the Animal Welfare Advisory Council met and discussed a variety of important topics.

As reported in the meeting, Help Fix ME had a cash balance of $28,000. The Animal Welfare Program reported that the RFP process is currently on hold while it is being reviewed by the Office of the State Controller. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for this. In light of this information, AWAC voted to release half of the $90,000 that had been held in reserve to issue to the recipient of the bid. This means that $45,000 in vouchers will be issued in the coming weeks to help address the ongoing cat issues in our state.

Three bill drafts were also discussed, with the goal to have these as legislation for the upcoming session. One will modify current AWAC governance language to allow us the flexibility to use subcommittees for project work. The second proposes a new “rabies vaccinator” role to be trained and certified by the Department of Ag. These folks would be able to administer rabies vaccinations in certain circumstances without the presence of a veterinarian. The third proposes to bring municipal kennel licenses into the state facility license statute, giving AWP the ability to inspect and enforce regulations on those kennels.

The new online dog licensing database is launching on October 15. There will also be a new written public comment option added to the AWAC webpage, which will allow folks who cannot attend the meetings to still submit comments for consideration.

Animal Welfare Program stats from June and July meeting minutes have just been added to their site. This button below also contains the dates and Team links for future meetings in 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for October 16th from 1:30 - 3:30.

Learn More

Katie Hansberry, Maine State Director for HSUS, gave a presentation on the Maine Legislative Process during the Animal Welfare Advisory Council meeting. She explained the legislative makeup, legislative timeline, and the path of legislation. You can see the PDF that was presented during the meeting below.

PDF
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Avian Influenza Virus in Felines - Dr. Kristen Coleman

Wed, Oct 9th, 2024 11:00 - 12:00 PM

Speaking Up: How to Find Your Voice When it’s Hard

Thu, Oct 10th, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Speaking Up: How to Find Your Voice When it’s Hard

Thu, Oct 10th, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

ACO Body Language & Equipment Training

Thu, Oct 11th, 2024 8:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Register Here
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Peace Ridge Sanctuary invites you to their 3rd Annual 5k Run for the Animals & 1 Mile Fun Walk on October 12, 2024 at our Northeast Equine Sanctuary. The purpose of this event is to support the lifesaving work Peace Ridge does every day.

This is one of the very few fundraising events that Peace Ridge will host this year. The funds that are raised are vital in continuing to help feed and provide quality care as well as medical care for all their rescued animals. The funds will also aid them in rescuing more animals in need.

Register Here
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Save the date!

Maine Humane’s next public meeting will be held on November 6th, 2024.

Location to be confirmed. If you have any suggestions for what you would like see for the upcoming meeting, please email your ideas to manager@mainehumane.org.
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