7 §3962-A. Penalty for damage to livestock or pets by animals

Title 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS

Part 9: ANIMAL WELFARE HEADING: PL 1987, C. 383, §3 (NEW)

Chapter 729: DAMAGE BY ANIMALS HEADING: PL 1987, C. 383, §3 (NEW); 1993, C. 468, §17 (RPR)

§3962-A. Penalty for damage to livestock or pets by animals

1. Violation. Except as provided in subsection 3, the owner or keeper of an animal that due to negligence of the animal's owner or keeper kills or injures livestock, poultry, domestic rabbits or pets commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 may be adjudged in addition to costs.

[ 1999, c. 254, §9 (AMD) .]

2. Additional remedy. A person who suffers damage as a result of a violation of subsection 1 may also pursue a civil action against the owner or keeper of the animal pursuant to section 3961.

[ 1999, c. 254, §9 (AMD) .]

3. Exception. If the owner or keeper of an animal that kills or injures another animal establishes that the animal that was killed or injured provoked the killing or injury or that the animal that committed the killing or injury was leashed or controlled on the owner's or keeper's property at the time of the killing or injury, then the owner or keeper is not liable under this section or section 3961.

[ 1999, c. 254, §9 (AMD) .]

SECTION HISTORY

1993, c. 468, §19 (NEW). 1995, c. 351, §2 (RPR). 1999, c. 254, §9 (AMD).