PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
An Act To Promote Safety with Respect to Touching Livestock or Other Animals
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  22 MRSA §1562-A  is enacted to read:
§ 1562-A. Touching livestock and other animals by the general public
 
1.  Hand washing facilities.     A person who makes livestock or any other animal, including fowl, available for touching by members of the public shall:
 
A.  Provide suitable hand washing facilities or disinfectant to allow members of the public to adequately wash or sanitize their hands after touching the livestock or other animal; and
 
B.  Display a sign that informs the public of the necessity of washing or sanitizing hands after touching an animal and of the location of hand washing facilities or disinfectant. A sign required under this paragraph must be placed prominently in a location that can be seen by a member of the public who is touching the livestock or other animal and, if the touching occurs in a building or enclosed area, at each entrance and exit of the building or enclosed area.
 
For purposes of this section, "livestock" has the same meaning as in section 2511, subsection 25.
 
2.  Exceptions.     This section does not apply:
 
A.  If the animal is a cat, dog or any other animal commonly kept as a domestic pet; or
 
B.  If the touching of livestock or another animal is in a private setting by a guest or social invitee of or someone who is familiar with the person who allows the touching of livestock or another animal.
 
3.  Rules.     The department may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires a person who makes livestock or any other animal, including fowl, available for touching by the general public to provide suitable hand washing facilities or disinfectant for members of the public to sanitize their hands. The bill also requires that the person post signs at certain places informing the public of the necessity of washing or sanitizing hands after touching animals and of the location of the hand washing facilities or disinfectant. This bill does not apply if the animal that is touched is a cat, dog or other animal commonly used as a domestic pet or if the touching of livestock or other animal is in a private setting by a guest or social invitee of or someone who is familiar with the person who allows the touching of livestock or another animal.