Posted: May 11, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
A new animal welfare specialty license plate has been created for the state of Maine. Last week, Gov. John Baldacci signed into law “An Act to Create the Support Animal Welfare Registration Plate.”
The plate will benefit the state’s Animal Welfare Program (AWP). Specifically, half of the of the proceeds of the plate will help fund animal cruelty and abuse investigations, and half will help fund Help Fix ME, Maine’s spay-neuter program for low-income residents.
The colorful plate displays a cat, dog, rabbit, horse and bird, with the words “Respect. Love. Adopt.” The new plates are slated to be available for the public to buy Oct. 1.
Drivers will pay $20 for the plate the first year and $15 every year after that. There will be a ceremonial re-signing with the governor Monday, May 11.