February 19, 2009
Dear Maine Farm Bureau Equine Member:
On Wednesday, February 25, the 124th Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee has scheduled a public hearing on LD 458 - Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to Develop Recommendations for the Licensing of Equine Facilities sponsored by Senator John Nutting (D-Androscoggin). The hearing will be held in room 206 of the Cross State Office Building beginning at 9:30 a.m.

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to develop a proposal for licensing equine boarding stables. The proposal must include a definition of "equine boarding facility" that specifies the minimum number of equines kept to meet the definition and require a license. The proposal must include a graduated fee schedule that increases with the number of equines kept. The proposal must include provisions for inspections of licensed equine boarding facilities by state humane agents. Finally, the Department of Agriculture is required to submit legislation for licensing equine boarding stables to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature no later than January 5, 2010.

Maine Farm Bureau opposes this legislation and will so testify at the hearing on the 25th.

We are asking you to attend the hearing to voice your opposition as well. If you cannot attend the hearing, then please call or email your legislators in opposition.

Thank you for your attention. Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely,
Jon Olson Executive Secretary