Comment on 175 seized animals can’t be adopted because of the pandemic

The BDN is making the most crucial coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact in Maine free for all readers. Click here for all coronavirus stories and here for the free collection. You can join others committed to safeguarding this vital public service by purchasing a subscription or donating directly to the newsroom. A law Maine legislators passed last year was supposed to keep animals seized by the state from spending months in legal limbo, but 175 still haven’t had their day in court because of COVID-19 restrictions that have, until recently, limited court schedules to emergency matters. The 175 animals in state custody includes five horses, close to 100 cats, about 50 dogs and five goats, according to Liam Hughes, director of Maine’s animal welfare program.