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An Act To Increase Funds Deposited into the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund through the Pet Food Surcharge
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  it is imperative to provide additional funds for spaying and neutering companion animals owned by low-income residents of Maine; and
Whereas,  the funding source already exists and continues to grow; and
Whereas,  directing additional existing funds to go into the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund as soon as possible will help reduce companion animal overpopulation; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §714, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2009, c. 148, §1, is further amended to read:
 
4. Surcharge on registration of pet food.   For each product name of pet food registered in accordance with subsection 1, the applicant shall pay a $20 surcharge in addition to the registration fee, except that a home-based manufacturer of pet food shall pay a total annual surcharge of $20. The commissioner shall deposit the surcharge directly into the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund established under section 3910-B as it is received until the total of the surcharges received for that registration year equals $100,000.
 
The commissioner shall deposit all surcharges received for a registration year in excess of $100,000 up to $157,000 into the Animal Welfare Fund established under section 3906-B, subsection 2. The commissioner shall deposit all surcharges received for a registration year in excess of $157,000 into the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund established under section 3910-B.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 128th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.