What is Maine's Law on Dogs:

Title 7 Part 8 (Dogs) and Part 9 (Animal Welfare)

According to 7 MRS §3911, it is unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large, except when used for hunting. 7 MRS §3907 defines at large to be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of any person whose personal presence and attention would reasonably control the conduct of the animal. Local ordinances might require dogs to be leashed.

Definitions of dangerous dog and "nuisance dog" can be found at 7 MRS §3907(12-D) and (20-A). Title 7 MRS §3952-A provides the procedure for reporting a dangerous or nuisance dog as well as penalties and remedies related to keeping such a dog. 7 MRS §3955 governs the actions of an owner or keeper of a dog that assaults another person, including securing aid for the injured person and reporting the incident to law enforcement. Violation of this statute is a Class D crime, which is punishable by up to 364 days incarceration and a $2,000 fine.

The Law Library has identified no Maine statutes that address picking up dog waste; however, there might be local ordinances regarding this.

In general, 7 MRS §3950 empowers municipalities, to adopt or retain more stringent ordinances, laws or regulations dealing with the subject matter; however, ordinances may not be breed-specific specific (i.e. a town cannot pass a law directed solely against pit bulls). Ordinances are often available on a municipality’s website or by calling the town office.

Other Leash Laws

State of Maine Animal Laws (Title 7, Chapter 719) Uncontrolled Dogs regulations can be viewed at the State of Maine webpage.

Augusta Leash Law: The City of Augusta domestic animal ordinance: Dogs and Pets, requires the owner, keeper or any other individual who has responsibility of a dog shall keep such animal controlled by a leash when such animal is on the property of a school, City park, community center, playground, the Rail Trail, Greenway Trail, Augusta Nature Center trails and other designated trails.

Palermo, Maine Animal Control: Palermo uses the Maine leash law Title 7, Chapter 719. Contact Palermo Animal Control Officers (bottom of page).

Locate an Animal Control Officer in Maine at the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry webpage.

Maine Animal Control information can be viewed here.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Maine can be contacted here or on Facebook.

Animal Hospitals

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