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Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC)
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Animal Welfare Advisory Council Mission
Per Title 7 3906-C members review and advise the commissioner on proposed revisions to the animal welfare laws; assist the commissioner in the continuing implementation and evaluation of the animal welfare laws and rules; review training programs for humane agents and animal control officers; research options for increasing revenue to the Animal Welfare Fund; and advise the commissioner on the other matters related to the animal welfare laws and rules.
Public Meetings
Upcoming Meetings
Date and Time | Location | Additional Information |
---|---|---|
June 22, 2023 1:00 PM | Microsoft Teams - Online Meeting | Join Meeting on Microsoft Teams Call in 207-209-4724 United States, Portland Phone Conference ID: 291 329 078 592 # Passcode: ZWRACc |
July 17, 2023 1:00 PM | Microsoft Teams - Online Meeting | Join Meeting on Microsoft Teams Call in 207-209-4724 United States, Portland Phone Conference ID: 256 558 942 16# Passcode: Cm9C3a |
Previous Meetings
2023
- January 19, 2023 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- March 9, 2023: Minutes (PDF)
- March 23, 2023: Minutes (PDF)
- April 20, 2023: Minutes (PDF)
- May 25, 2023
2022
- January 19, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- February 16, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- March 16, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- April 20, 2022: Agenda (PDF) / 2021 AWP Annual Report (PDF) / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- June 8, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- September 14, 2022: Help Fix ME Presentation (PDF) / Minutes (PDF)
- October 12, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- November 2, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- November 30, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- December 14, 2022 / Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- December 28, 2022: Chapter 702: Rulemaking Fact Sheet (PDF) / Proposed Rule Changes to Chapter 702 (PDF)
Advisory Council Members
Seat Number | Name | Additional Info |
---|---|---|
1 | Kim Mclaughlin | Must Represent Municipal Interests |
2 | Garth Russell | Must be an Animal Control Officer |
3 | Katie Lisnik | Must Represent Licensed Animal Shelters |
4 | Frank Billings | Must Represent Licensed Boarding Kennels |
5 | Heidi Neal | Must Represent Licensed Pet Shops |
6 | Kathleen Benard | Must own a Pet and Represent the Interests of the Public in Animal Welfare |
7 | Bonnie Martinolich | Must be an Attorney with Experience in Animal Welfare Law |
8 | Jessica Matulis | Must be a Veterinarian who is or has been Licensed to Practice in the State and may be selected from nominations made by the Maine Veterinary Medical Association. |
9 | Vacant | Must be a Cooperative Extension Agent or Specialist |
10 | Casey Cole | Must have Experience in Equine Care |
11 | Julie Ann Smith | Must have Experience in Livestock Who Represents a Statewide Farming Organization |
12 | Vacant | Must Represent a State-based Animal Advocacy Group |
13 | Vacant | Holds a Kennel Licensed Issued Under Section 3923-C |
14 | Sharon St. John | Must Represent Licensed Breeding Kennels |
AWAC Pledge
We, the Individuals and organizations that make up the Animal Welfare Advisory Council, reject and condemn verbal abuse, threats, and acts of violence directed against animal welfare personnel. There is no place in the humane movement for physical or verbal intimidation, violence, or acts of terrorism. Such behavior is wholly inconsistent with a core ethic of promoting compassion and respect, and undermines the credibility of the entire animal welfare movement.
Our goal must be to affirm the value and integrity of all life, whether animal or human, and to encourage others to do likewise. Verbal attacks, threats, harassment, defamation, and acts of violence, moreover, do not ultimately help animals. Instead, they eliminate opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and cooperation, making our shared goals, including that of ending the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals, harder to achieve.
A free and respectful exchange of views in the ongoing local, regional and national conversations about animal welfare practices, is the standard to which animal organizations and communities should aspire and adhere. We call on every animal organization and advocate in Maine to join us in actively promoting compassion and respect not just for animals but for those people who work tirelessly on their behalf.