| Policies and Guidelines |
Maine 4-H Program |
In instances of suspected animal abuse or neglect, there are no designated mandatory reporters as there are with instances of suspected child abuse or neglect. Staff, volunteers, members, and member's parents or guardians working with the Maine 4-H Youth Development program are encouraged to use their best judgment in making a decision about whether or not to report known or reasonable suspicions of animal abuse or neglect.
Allegations of animal abuse or neglect are a very serious matter for all parties concerned. Clearly, the protection of animals is an important concern for us all. At the same time, it must be recognized that casual allegations of abuse or neglect can have serious consequences to the person accused. Maine 4-H volunteers, members, and parents or guardians of members who make casual allegations of abuse or neglect will be asked to either make a report to the appropriate state agency or stop repeating the allegation. Failure to do so may result in the suspension or dismissal of the volunteer or member who is making repeated allegations, or notification of the parent or guardian that their behavior is inappropriate and may result in their being asked not to attend or participate in 4-H events and activities.
UMCE staff who are contacted with allegations of animal abuse or neglect will refer the individual to this policy and to the appropriate state agency. Generally, anonymous allegations, verbal or written, will not be acted upon. UMCE staff who are contacted with questions about an ongoing investigation of an allegation of animal abuse or neglect will refer the caller to the appropriate state agency.
Process for handling an allegation of animal abuse or neglect:
1. Contact the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources, Animal Welfare Program (AWP) at 207‑287‑3847 or 1‑877‑269‑9200, or by email at animal.welfare@maine.gov. Be prepared to give your name, address, and phone number, a description of the complaint, and the name, address, and phone number of the individual about whom you are making the complaint. If it is determined that the complaint merits investigation, it will be assigned to a humane agent.
2. If the complaint is against a Maine 4-H volunteer, contact the county educator or professional immediately and inform them that you have filed a complaint.
3. If a report of suspected animal abuse or neglect is made against a Maine 4-H volunteer, the county educator or professional will contact AWP to determine whether or not an investigation is being conducted, and if so, whether or not the volunteer has been notified that they are being investigated.
- If the volunteer has been notified that they are being investigated, the volunteer will be suspended as a Maine 4-H volunteer until such time as the results of the investigation are known, and club members and their parents or guardians will be informed of the suspension. Refer to Letter Template A, Letter to Volunteer Regarding Suspension, and Letter Template B, Letter to Parent or Guardian and Members Regarding Volunteer Not Serving in the Role.
4. If there is a finding that the allegation is groundless, the volunteer will be reinstated as a Maine 4-H volunteer, and club members and their parents or guardians will be informed of the reinstatement. Refer to Letter Template C, Letter to Volunteer Regarding Reinstatement & Letter Template D, Letter to Parent(s) or Guardian(s) and Member(s) Regarding Volunteer Continuing in the Role
5. If there is a finding of guilt, the volunteer will be dismissed, and club members and their parents or guardians will be informed of the dismissal. Refer to Letter Template E, Letter to Volunteer Regarding Dismissal &Template F, Letter to Parent(s) or Guardian(s) and Member(s) Regarding Volunteer No Longer in the Role.
Notes: There are other circumstances, beyond suspected or substantiated reports of animal abuse, that would result in the suspension or dismissal of a Maine 4-H volunteer or leader.
It is also important to note that the letters to
parents and club members do not use language such as suspension or dismissal.
These terms are disciplinary in nature, and while they may be appropriate to use
with the volunteer, these issues are confidential in nature. Therefore we should
avoid using these terms verbally or in writing with others. For more information on
animal welfare, and animal abuse and neglect, contact:
Maine Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources
http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw/index.html Maine laws concerning
animal welfare are available on the web by going to
http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw/index.html, then clicking on "2003
Animal Welfare Law Book." Definitions of animal abuse and neglect can be found
in Title 7, M.R.S.A., Part 9, Chapter 717, Section 3901, et seq.; Title 7,
M.R.S.A., Ch 42, Subchapter 3, sections 1031 and 1032.
8-4-04
Office of Agriculture, Natural and Rural Resources
Animal Welfare Program
207-287-3846
1-877-269-9200
Fax 207-624-5028