How to report Animal Cruelty in Maine

How to Report Animal Cruelty or Neglect in Maine

Animal abandonment in Maine

Animal Abandonment in Maine: What the Law Says and What to Do

Livestock and Animal Control in Maine

Livestock and Animal Control in Maine: At Large, Dog Attacks, and Welfare Complaints

When a dog attacks another dog

When a Dog Attacks Another Dog in Maine: Owner Liability and What Happens Next

Low cost spay and neuter in Western Maine

Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Resources for Western Maine Residents

Missing cat in western Maine? ACO Holmes explains where cats hide, why you should not chase, and the steps that actually bring them home.

How to Find a Missing Cat in Western Maine

Rabies vaccination requirements for cats and dogs in Maine under 7 § 3916

Rabies Vaccination (7 § 3916)

Dogs at large in Maine

Dogs at Large in Maine: What It Means, Penalties, and What to Do

Boarding Kennel License Requirements in Maine (7 § 3932)

Maine dog breeder license requirements

Maine Dog Breeder License Requirements: What the Law Requires

Emberline, a long-haired tortie community cat from the West Paris TNR colony in western Maine

Emberline

Spindle, a jet-black community cat from the West Paris TNR Program, returned to colony after recovery

Spindle

Millie, a petite community cat from the West Paris TNR colony in western Maine

Millie

Animal in proper shelter -- Maine law under 7 section 4015 requires adequate shelter for all animals

Proper Shelter for Animals (7 § 4015)

hit animal with car Maine law

What to Do If You Hit a Dog, Cat, or Livestock in Maine

About Your ACO

ACO Holmes

ACO Holmes

I'm Brandon Holmes, your Animal Control Officer for Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, and the Oxford County Unorganized Territories.

I grew up in this area and I take this work seriously. Whether it's a loose animal on the road, a welfare concern you've been sitting on, or a question about what the law actually says -- I want to hear from you.

For urgent situations, call dispatch. That's the fastest way to reach me and it creates an official record.

📞 207-743-9554, option 0

For non-urgent questions:
brandon@oxfordaco.com

Community Cats

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Zuchetto, a sleek black community cat from the West Paris TNR Program, thriving in the colony

Zuchetto

Weaver, a muted gray community cat from the West Paris TNR Program, returned to colony

Weaver

Thistle, a black community cat from the West Paris TNR colony in western Maine

Thistle

Spindle, a jet-black community cat from the West Paris TNR Program, returned to colony after recovery

Spindle

Soot, a glossy black community cat from the West Paris TNR Program, returned to colony

Soot

shuttle (keep as-is) Image alt text: Shuttle, a compact black community cat from the West Paris TNR Program, returned to colony

Shuttle

FAQs

Maine Leash Law Explained

Does Maine Have a Leash Law?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer surprises a…

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Got a dog at large violation in Maine? Learn what the charge means, what the fines are, and how to get your dog back if it was impounded.

Got a Dog at Large Violation in Maine? Here’s What Happens Next.

Your dog was picked up running loose. Alternatively, you just received a civil violation summons…

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If you're hospitalized or incarcerated and have pets at home, Maine law gives you 10 days to act.

When a Pet Owner Is Hospitalized or Incarcerated: What Happens to the Animals

A pet owner may sometimes be hospitalized or incarcerated. Alternatively, they might be admitted to…

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Guide to Maine kennel license types

Which Maine Kennel License Do I Need?

Maine has three separate kennel licenses, and many people are unsure which one applies to…

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Maine dog breeder license requirements

Maine Dog Breeder License Requirements: What the Law Requires

Not sure which kennel license applies to you? See the Maine Kennel License Guide. Maine…

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Missing cat in western Maine? ACO Holmes explains where cats hide, why you should not chase, and the steps that actually bring them home.

How to Find a Missing Cat in Western Maine

If your cat is missing, the first thing to know is that most cats that…

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Updates

Canine parvovirus warning -- parvovirus is active in western Maine including Oxford County as of 2026

Parvovirus Is Active in Western Maine. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Canine parvovirus has been confirmed in Oxford County, including right here in Sumner. Cases have…

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Call Animal Control 207-743-9554 opt 0

📞 Immediate Assistance For anything that needs a response right away, please go through dispatch.…

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Paper collar check for outdoor cats -- a simple tool to find out if a roaming cat has an owner nearby in western Maine

Neighbor Check Paper Collar for Outdoor Felines

Neighbor Check Collar for Outdoor Felines Most “stray” felines people find in rural Maine actually…

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West Paris TNR Program

Trap–Neuter–Return Overview and Area Plan This post outlines the West Paris TNR Program and how…

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Pet Resources

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