Forwarded from the Maine Legislative Canine list:

Submitted by The Associated Press on Fri, 02/05/2010 - 10:18

* Central Maine Newspapers
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* Portland Press Herald
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AUGUSTA -- A Maine prosecutor and humane organization are supporting a
bill in the Maine Legislature to increase penalties in cases of large-scale
animal cruelty by breeders and hoarders. The Agriculture Committee is
holding a hearing today on Sen. Deborah Simpson's so-called "puppy mill"
bill. The Auburn Democrat's bill would make abuse of 25 or more animals a
felony instead of a misdemeanor. York County District Attorney Mark
Lawrence, a former Maine Senate president, said today that the bill
increases penalties but also allows probation after a conviction, meaning
the state can make sure the abuse does not continue.
Lawrence says the bill is "long overdue." The Humane Society of the United
States, Maine chapter, is also supporting Simpson's bill.