The commissioner shall develop a State of Maine Animal Response Team, referred to in this section as "the team," to support a unifying network that protects human and animal health through preparation, response and recovery for animal emergencies in the State. The team shall facilitate a prompt, coordinated and effective response to a natural or human‑made disaster affecting animals; decrease the health and safety threat to humans and animals during animal emergencies; and minimize the economic and environmental impacts of animal emergencies. Response activities include but are not limited to providing adequate care for animals taken into custody by the State.

PL 2005, c. 146, §2 (NEW). PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. U, §1 (AMD).