Maine § 3971. - Vivisection prohibited in public and private schools
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 3971. — Vivisection prohibited in public and private schools, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3971.. Vivisection prohibited in public and private schools
1. Use of animals in schools. No live vertebrate, except eggs, may be used in kindergarten and grades one to 12 of any public or private school as part of a scientific experiment or for any other purpose in which the animal is experimentally medicated or drugged in a manner to cause painful reactions or to induce painful or lethal pathological conditions, or in which the animal is injured through any other type of treatment, experiment or procedure, including, but not limited to, anesthetization or electric shock or where the normal health of the animal is interfered with or where pain or distress is caused.
No person may, in the presence of any student in kindergarten and grades one to 12, practice vivisection or exhibit a vivisected animal. Dissection of dead animals or any portions of dead animals in schools shall be confined to the classroom and to the presence of students engaged in the study of dissection and shall not be for the purpose of exhibition.
This subsection shall also apply to any activity associated with or sponsored by the school system.
2. Treatment of animals in general. Live animals used as class pets or for purposes not prohibited in subsection 1 shall be housed and cared for in a safe and humane manner. The animals shall not remain in school over periods when school is not in session, unless adequate care is provided at all times.
3. Standards of treatment. Any animal whose use is permitted under this section shall be treated in accordance with the ethical and humane standards promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to the rule-making provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, after consultation with representative groups in the State having an interest or expertise in the field of animal welfare, biology and education.
4. Enforcement. The commissioner shall enforce this section in consultation with the Commissioner of Education.
5. Penalty for violations. Any person who violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $75.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 3971.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 3971. cover?
Section 3971. ("Vivisection prohibited in public and private schools") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 3971.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 3971." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 3971. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.