Maine law makes it unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large, except when used for hunting. As your Animal Control Officer, dogs at large are one of the most common calls I respond to. Understanding what the law says is important. Knowing what happens when a dog is picked up helps residents. Being aware of what the penalties are also helps them avoid violations.
It also helps owners get their dogs back faster. You can read the full statute at legislature.maine.gov/statutes/7/title7sec3911.html.
What “At Large” Means
Section 3907 defines “at large” as 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. This is a broader definition than most people assume. A dog does not have to be running loose to be considered at large. If a dog is off your property and the person with it cannot reasonably control it, it qualifies. The only exception under 7§3911 is a dog actively being used for hunting.
What Happens When a Dog Is Found at Large
Under 7§3912, an animal control officer shall seize, impound, or restrain a dog found in violation of 7§3911. What happens next depends on whether ownership can be established.
If the owner is known, I will either take the dog directly to its owner or deliver it to an animal shelter. If ownership cannot be established, the dog is handled as a stray under 7§3913.
The Stray Dog Process (7§3913)
You are right. The $4 figure is in the law book but it is a 1987 relic that creates confusion for residents and does not reflect reality. Let me rewrite this cleanly using only what is directly useful to a resident, sourced from the law book, without the administrative clutter.
Dogs at Large in Maine (7 § 3911)
Maine law makes it unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large, except when used for hunting. As your Animal Control Officer serving Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, and the Oxford County Unorganized Territories, dogs at large are one of the most common calls I respond to. Understanding what the law says, what happens when a dog is picked up, and what the penalties are helps residents avoid violations and helps owners get their dogs back faster. You can read the full statute at legislature.maine.gov/statutes/7/title7sec3911.html.
What “At Large” Means
Section 3907 defines “at large” as 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. This is broader than most people assume. A dog does not have to be running loose down the road to qualify. If a dog is off your property and the person with it cannot reasonably control it, it meets the definition. The only exception under 7§3911 is a dog actively being used for hunting.
What Happens When a Dog Is Found at Large
Under 7§3912, an animal control officer shall seize, impound, or restrain a dog found in violation of 7§3911. What happens next depends on whether ownership can be established.
If the owner is known, I will either return the dog directly or deliver it to an animal shelter. If ownership cannot be established, the dog is handled as a stray under 7§3913.
The Stray Dog Process (7§3913)
When a stray dog is brought to the designated animal shelter, the shelter must accept it for a period of 6 days unless the shelter is in quarantine or has a documented lack of space.
If you are the owner, you may reclaim your dog within those 6 days by paying the municipal impoundment fee and all actual costs for food, shelter, and veterinary care. Your dog must also be licensed under chapter 721 before the shelter releases it.
After the 6-day period, ownership transfers to the animal shelter. At that point the shelter may sell or give the dog to a new owner, or humanely dispose of it under Title 17, chapter 42, subchapter 4. An animal shelter must hold a dog at least 8 days before euthanasia. Even after ownership transfers, a previous owner may still reclaim the dog at any time before its sale, donation, or disposal by paying all accumulated fees.
If a member of the public finds a stray dog and does not know the owner, that person may take the dog to the animal shelter designated by the municipality where the dog was found.
Emergency Euthanasia
A humane agent, animal control officer, or animal shelter may authorize immediate euthanasia in writing for a severely sick, severely injured, or extremely vicious dog when two conditions are met. First, the municipal clerk or ACO of the municipality where the dog was found has been notified and the owner, if known, has also been notified. Second, a veterinarian must state in writing that the dog’s recovery is doubtful given reasonable time and care, or that the dog presents a danger to the public. A veterinarian may also authorize immediate euthanasia independently if in their judgment there is no possibility of recovery. Veterinarians, humane agents, animal control officers, and animal shelters acting under this provision have civil liability immunity.
Penalties (7§3915)
Any person who violates this chapter commits a civil violation. For a first violation the forfeiture is not less than $50 and not more than $250. For two or more violations the forfeiture is not less than $100 and not more than $500.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Out
Call dispatch immediately at 207-743-9554, option 0. Getting the report into the system quickly improves the chance of a fast reunion and means I know to watch for your animal during any calls in the area. If you find a loose dog and cannot locate the owner, dispatch is the right first call. Do not chase or corner an unfamiliar dog. Note the location, direction of travel, and a description, then report that information through dispatch.
For more on related Maine animal laws, see the Animal Control FAQ or the full Maine Laws section. For information on licensing requirements, see the Dog Licensing post.
