Contact:
Krysta West
Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
krysta.west@legislature.maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUSTA – After receiving word that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife added hedgehogs to the unrestricted animal list, the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted Ought Not to Pass on Senator Eric Brakey’s (R-Androscoggin) bill, LD 35.
The idea for LD 35 was brought to Sen. Brakey by a 6th grader from Elm Street Elementary School in Mechanic Falls who wanted the ability to have a hedgehog as a pet without having to jump through hoops and obtain multiple licenses, as you can in every other New England state.
Now that hedgehogs have been added to the unrestricted animal list, licenses are no longer required for ownership.
“I’m really glad this issue could be resolved for these students without the need for further legislation,” said Sen. Brakey. “This whole experience has been a great learning opportunity for the entire Elm Street Elementary School’s 6th grade class. They were involved in the process from the very beginning, traveling to Augusta back in February for the day to testify at the public hearing for LD 35. I have since been in touch with the class to let them know that because of their initiative, we were able to make positive changes in Augusta.”
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Maine Senate Republicans 