[Adopted 5-21-2013]
The Commissioner shall adopt rules to establish methods of identifying wolf hybrids through tattooing, the placement of a microchip under the animal's skin or any other method determined by the Commissioner as adequately providing a permanent means of identification on the body of the animal. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Maine Revised Statutes Annotated, Title 5, Chapter 375, Subchapter 2-a. A person may not own or keep a wolf hybrid under 7 M.R.S.A. § 3921-B, Subsection 2, or under 12 M.R.S.A. § 12152 unless the animal has identification in compliance with the rules adopted under this section.
A. 
Prohibition. Except as provided in Subsection B, a person may not keep a wolf hybrid in the State unless that person hold a valid permit to possess wildlife in captivity issued by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife under 12 M.R.S.A. § 12152.
B. 
Exception. A person keeping a wolf hybrid as a pet and in compliance with all applicable provisions in the Part on June 1, 2011, may continue to keep that wolf hybrid as long as the following conditions are met:
(1) 
The wolf hybrid has been spayed or neutered; and
(2) 
The owner continues to license the wolf hybrid in accordance with 7 M.R.S.A. § 3922, Subsection 3-B.
C. 
Restrictions on transfer.
(1) 
A person keeping a wolf hybrid under Subsection B may transfer ownership of the wolf hybrid to a person:
(a) 
Holding a permit to possess wildlife under 12 M.R.S.A. § 12152 and authorized to accept wolf hybrids in compliance with rules adopted under 12 M.R.S.A. § 12160, Subsection 2;
(b) 
Who operates an animal refuge in another state that is licensed to accept wolf hybrids; or
(c) 
Who has had direct contact with the wolf hybrid, is familiar with the wolf hybrid's behavior and has been advised of the reporting requirement under Subsection D and licensing laws under 7 M.R.S.A. § 3922.
(2) 
A person transferring ownership of a wolf hybrid under this subsection shall within 10 days of the transfer notify the Department and provide the name and address of the person accepting the transfer.
D. 
Duty to report death. The owner of a wolf hybrid kept under Subsection B shall notify the Department of the wolf hybrid's death on a form prescribed by the Department within 30 days of the wolf hybrid's death.
E. 
Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of $2,500 may be adjudged.