PORTLAND, Maine — Maine has once again ranked No. 1 in the nation for its animal protection laws, according to the 2022 U.S. State Animal Protections Laws Rankings.
Maine Friends of Animals works with the Maine State Legislature to come up with ways to better protect animals.
"We plant seeds, we plant seeds to make people think differently about animals," Robert Fisk Jr., founder of Maine Friends of Animals, said.
In 25 years, the nonprofit helped pass several laws, including banning the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores and the most recent bill was their pet custody bill, the act to provide for the wellbeing of companion animals during a divorce was passed at the Maine House and Senate.
Their bills have helped benefit local animal shelters as well as the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.
"For shelters and rescues in Maine, the key to animal welfare is collaboration," Patsy Murphy, executive director of Animal Refuge League, said.
In 2023, Maine Friends of Animals is making its fourth attempt to ban the hunting of animals in an enclosed area. They have previously gone to the state legislature for this in 1999, 2003, and 2009.
Sen. Ben Chipman, D-Portland, who is sponsoring the bill, said they are still in the draft process.
"I think this time around we are much more prepared, and we've had the experience and know what the arguments are," Fisk said.
Fisk said there are about a half-dozen of these hunting ranches in Maine.
Chipman said he expects to have a public hearing for this bill scheduled in the near future.
In the meantime, animal advocates say they'll do what they can to remain at the top when it comes to protecting animals.
"There's so much more we can do, and these rankings just illustrate the future is bright in Maine for animal welfare," Murphy said.
For a look at the full Animal Legal Defense Fund report, click here.