AUGUSTA, Maine - While no one opposed the bill at public hearing, members of the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee have voted 9 to 2 against a measure to officially name the Labrador retriever as the state dog.
Rep, Chris Babbidge, a Democrat from Kennebunk, says while he likes Labrador retrievers, an official state dog should have some direct connection to the state.
"Strong, reliable, devoted affectionate - as good as any breed, certainly," Babbidge said. "But it's not unique to Maine. And I have difficulty favoring it over so many other wonderful dogs that are worthy of nomination."
Supporters argued the Labrador retriever has all of the positive attributes one would want in a state dog. The recommendation now goes to the full Legislature for its debate and decision.
Rep. Donna Doore, an Augusta Democrat, supported the bill. "I may be a little partial because I do have a brown lab and a black lab at the moment," Doore said, "but we have also had - I did great Dane rescue for 10 years."
