Bonnie Martinolich, Partner at Preti Flaherty, has been appointed by Governor Janet Mills to the Maine Animal Welfare Advisory Council, commonly referred to as AWAC. She becomes one of fourteen members statewide selected for their experience and knowledge in matters of animal welfare in Maine.

Each AWAC member is appointed to provide expertise for a designated interest in animal welfare. Martinolich was specifically appointed as an attorney with experience in animal welfare law.

The Animal Welfare Advisory Council’s statutory duties include advising the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on proposed revisions, implementation, and evaluation of animal welfare rules and laws. The Council’s duties also include reviewing training programs and making recommendations for training appropriate to the duties of humane agents and animal control officers, and researching options for increasing revenue to the Animal Welfare Fund.

“I’m honored to be appointed by Governor Mills to serve on the Animal Welfare Advisory Council,” Martinolich says. “I look forward to this opportunity to contribute to the welfare of animals in this State through my service on AWAC.”

Martinolich’s law practice is focused in commercial transactions, including commercial financing, real estate development, mergers and acquisitions, including energy-related transactions, municipal finance law and animal law. She is a long-time dog rescuer and animal welfare advocate and currently a Board Member of Maine Friends of Animals and a District Leader volunteer for the Humane Society of the United States.  Martinolich is a past President of Almost Home Rescue, an all-volunteer, all breed dog rescue, and past member of the Board of the New England Federation of Humane Societies.