Maine animal cruelty laws protect animals from abuse, neglect, and inhumane treatment. Under Maine Title 7, Chapter 739, animal cruelty is a civil violation with significant financial penalties, and serious cases can also result in criminal charges under Title 17. As your Animal Control Officer serving Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, and the Oxford County Unorganized Territories, I investigate cruelty complaints and work with state authorities when cases require escalation.
You can read the full statute at legislature.maine.gov/statutes/7/title7sec4011.html.
What Counts as Animal Cruelty Under 7 § 4011
Maine law defines cruelty broadly. A person, including an animal’s owner or the owner’s agent, commits animal cruelty by doing any of the following.
Killing or attempting to kill an animal belonging to another person without the owner’s consent or without legal privilege. Killing or attempting to kill any animal by a method that does not cause instantaneous death, unless the person is a licensed veterinarian or certified under Title 17, section 1042. Injuring, overworking, torturing, tormenting, abandoning, cruelly beating, or intentionally mutilating an animal. Giving drugs, poison, or alcohol to an animal with intent to harm or intoxicate it, or exposing a poison with intent that an animal take it. Note that an owner or occupant of property may use reasonable force to eject a trespassing animal, but cruelty is not permitted.
Depriving an animal the person owns or possesses of necessary sustenance, necessary medical attention, proper shelter, protection from weather, or humanely clean conditions. Keeping or leaving a domestic animal on an uninhabited or barren coastal island during December, January, February, or March without providing necessary sustenance and proper shelter. Hunting, trapping, or selling animals for hunting purposes except as permitted under chapter 202-A and Title 12, Part 13, excluding humane trapping for population control or animal control purposes. Injecting or causing ingestion of any substance used solely to enhance an animal’s performance by altering its metabolism, including excessive sodium bicarbonate in equines used for competition. Killing or torturing an animal to frighten or intimidate a person, or forcing a person to injure or kill an animal. Confining an animal in a building, enclosure, car, boat, or vehicle where extreme heat or extreme cold will harm its health.
Cruelty Involving Cats and Dogs Specifically
Under subsection 1-A, it is generally illegal for any person to kill a cat or dog. Two exceptions exist. A licensed veterinarian or person certified under Title 17, section 1042 may euthanize a cat or dog using accepted methods. An owner or the owner’s agent may shoot their own cat or dog with a firearm, provided the shooter is at least 18 years old, uses a weapon and ammunition capable of causing instantaneous death with a single shot, death is instantaneous, maximum precaution protects the public and other animals, and any restraint during the shooting does not cause undue suffering.
Affirmative Defenses
Maine law recognizes several affirmative defenses to animal cruelty charges. A licensed veterinarian performing necessary procedures or conduct that is part of scientific research governed by accepted standards is exempt. Actions designed to control or eliminate rodents, ants, or other common pests on the defendant’s own property are exempt. Use of live animals as bait or in training other animals, in accordance with Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife rules under Title 12, Part 13, is exempt. Animals kept as part of an agricultural operation and managed in compliance with best management practices for animal husbandry as determined by the Department of Agriculture are also exempt.
Note that evidence of proper care of one animal is not admissible as a defense for alleged cruelty to other animals.
Penalties Under 7 § 4016
Animal cruelty under Title 7 is a civil violation. For a first violation, the court must impose a fine of at least $500. The maximum fine is $5,000. None of this may be suspended. For a second or subsequent violation, the fine increases to at least $1,000. It cannot exceed $10,000. None of these amounts may be suspended. In addition, the court may order the defendant to pay costs of the animal’s care, housing, and veterinary treatment. The court may also prohibit the defendant from owning animals for a specific period. This period can be temporary or up to permanent relinquishment. The court may also require the defendant to complete a psychological evaluation.
Separately, the state’s attorney may elect to pursue criminal charges under Title 17, chapter 42. This decision comes rather than pursuing the civil violation under Title 7. The decision is based on the severity of the cruelty, the number of animals involved, and any prior history. That election is not subject to judicial review.
Veterinarian Reporting (7 § 4018)
A licensed veterinarian may report the suspected violation to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This applies when the veterinarian acts professionally. They must have reasonable cause to suspect that an animal suffers from cruelty or neglect. If the veterinarian suspects aggravated cruelty under Title 17, section 1031, subsection 1-B, reporting is mandatory. Veterinarians who report or testify under this section have immunity from criminal or civil liability and professional disciplinary action.
Animals Left in Vehicles (7 § 4019)
A law enforcement officer, humane agent, animal control officer, firefighter, or licensed security guard may take steps to remove an animal from a motor vehicle. They can take all steps reasonably necessary. This is allowed if the animal’s safety is in immediate danger due to heat. The same applies if the danger comes from cold or lack of adequate ventilation. These conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death. After removing the animal, the officer must leave a written notice. It must be in a secure and conspicuous location in or on the vehicle. The notice must include their name, office, and the address where the animal may be claimed. The owner may claim the animal only after paying all charges for maintenance, care, medical treatment, and impoundment. Officers acting under this section have immunity from criminal or civil liability.
How to Report Animal Cruelty in Oxford County
If you witness or suspect animal cruelty in Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, or the Oxford County Unorganized Territories, take action. Report it through dispatch at 207-743-9554, option 0. For serious welfare concerns, you can contact the Maine Animal Welfare Program directly at 207-287-3846. They are available during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call toll free at 877-269-9200. After hours, contact the Maine State Police Bangor Barracks at 207-973-3700.
For more details on related Maine animal laws, visit the Animal Control FAQ. You can also check the Maine Laws section of this site.
