I’m writing to be a voice for dogs. There is no bill or law that states that a dog cannot be outside all day, every day. The law says that they need to have only three sides of shelter, water, and food. Therefore, the weather coming in the one open side does not protect them from the harsh elements of the heat and cold in Maine.

Animal control and animal welfare have one person for an entire county, with abundant reports of pets being outside all day without water or food. Animal control and animal welfare have the same issues with lack of resources and time to check on these animals every time there is a report made.

I have previously contacted animal control, and they didn’t even take the time to look at my many videos of little dogs who were without water and food in 90-degree weather most of the day every day. They were panting and the sun was glaring on them. Even though I brought water to them several times, I was threatened with criminal charges which prevented me from helping them.

Tons of research proves that dogs have feelings and need love like humans do. They become our emotional support. Pets are like family. I’m writing to urge people to write to their senators to urge them to create a bill to tighten the laws about how long animals can be left outside in the harsh elements without proper food and water and advocate for better shelter. This should fall to neglect and abuse.

Leaving an animal in a cage outside exposed to the elements is neglect and abuse. I urge you to write to your county senator to encourage them to write a bill to tighten the laws about dogs being outside all day. You can find your senator here: https://legislature.maine.gov/senate-home-page/find-your-state-senator

Feel free to email me at beckhope@ymail.com.

Jamie Lindstam

Waterville