§ 90-a. Declaration of policy and purposes. Infectious and
communicable disease affecting domestic animals continues to exist in
this state, and the existence thereof endangers the health and welfare
of the people of the state. Despite the moneys spent to control,
suppress and eradicate such infection and disease its incidence is the
concern of the legislature. The powers of quarantine and condemnation
held and exercised by the department of agriculture and markets tend to
suppress but do not constitute an adequate control. It is hereby
declared to be a matter of legislative determination that a more
exacting supervision of those who, as a business, whether for profit or
not-for-profit, deal in, handle, transport, and rescue domestic animals
is needed in the public interest and that in the exercise of the police
power such persons be required to hold a permit before engaging in such
activities.