09-137-7 Me. Code R. § 16
Any person or organization who, on the effective date of these rules, holds a valid permit to import, possess, exhibit, or rehabilitate wildlife and who meets the housing requirements described in Department Rule Chapter 7 as of August 1, 2016, has until January 1, 2018 to comply with the provisions contained in section 7.17. Any person or organization who, on the effective date of these rules, holds a valid permit to import, possess, exhibit, or rehabilitate wildlife, has until January 1, 2018 to comply with the provisions contained in sections 7.06(3) A(2), 7.06(3) B(2), 7.11(2)A, and 7.11(5)F. Compliance with these sections is required prior to any request to add new individuals or species to an existing permit. All permit holders that legally possess a Prohibited or Restricted Species as of the effective date of these rules, but who do not comply with the provisions contained in sections 7.06(3) A(2), 7.06(3)B(2), 7.11(2)A, and 7.11(5)F by January 1, 2018, will be authorized by the commissioner to retain the individual animals currently in their possession until such time that the animal dies, however the commissioner may place conditions on their permit to ensure the welfare of the animal or to protect native wildlife, domestic animals, or the public. Conditions may include requiring the animals to be tattooed or microchipped. Any offspring that are born to Prohibited or Restricted species that are in the possession of a permit holder through this grandfathering clause must be euthanized or transferred to another facility approved by the department.
09-137 C.M.R. ch. 7, § 16