BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 16, 2021
Groups that campaign for animal rights in Maine publicly opposed the passing of the right to food amendment to the state constitution, fearing that its vague language could open the door for justifying animal abuse. When the bill passed with over 60 percent of the vote, these groups — which include Animal Rights Maine, the Maine Animal Coalition and Maine Friends of Animals — were disappointed, but not surprised. Now that the amendment has passed, advocates hope that all Mainers can find common ground regarding the humane treatment of animals. “You worry about backyard butchering of animals and you worry about people disregarding the animal welfare rules about confinement of animals,” said Beth Gallie, president of the Maine Animal Coalition.