§ 14 §164-B — Immunity from civil liability for assistance given to law enforcement dogs, search and rescue dogs and service dogs

Maine § 14 §164-B

• Jurisdiction: Maine
• Title 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL
• Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
• Ch. 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY

Text

1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Immunity.
Notwithstanding any provision of any public or private and special law to the contrary, an emergency medical services person, a security services dog handler or a law enforcement officer who voluntarily, without the expectation of monetary or other compensation, renders first aid, emergency treatment or rescue assistance to a law enforcement dog, search and rescue dog or service dog that is unconscious, ill, injured or in need of rescue assistance is not liable for damages for an injury alleged to have been sustained by the dog nor for damages for the death of the dog alleged to have occurred by reason of an act or omission in the rendering of the first aid, emergency treatment or rescue assistance unless it is established that the injury or the death was caused willfully, wantonly or recklessly or by gross negligence on the part of the emergency medical services person, security services dog handler or law enforcement officer.
3.
Application.
This section applies to a member or employee of a nonprofit volunteer or governmental ambulance, rescue or emergency unit, whether or not a user or service fee may be charged by the nonprofit unit or the governmental entity and whether or not the member or employee receives a salary or other compensation from the nonprofit unit or the governmental entity.

Legislative History

PL 2017, c. 338, §1 (NEW).