Your dog was picked up running loose. Alternatively, you just received a civil violation summons for a dog at large. You probably have questions. Here is what the charge means, what it costs, and what steps to take.
What “Dog at Large” Means
Under Maine law, a dog is considered “at large” when it is off the owner’s property. A dog is “at large” if it is not under the control of any person. The person should be able to reasonably control the dog with their personal presence and attention. That definition is broader than most people expect.
Your dog does not have to be running down the middle of the road to qualify. If it is off your property and the person with it cannot actually control its behavior, it meets the legal definition. The only exception Maine law recognizes is a dog that is actively being used for hunting.
You can read the full definition and statute at Dogs at Large (7 § 3911).
Is a Dog at Large Charge a Criminal Offense?
No. A dog at large violation is a civil violation under Maine Title 7, not a criminal charge. It does not go on a criminal record. It works more like a traffic ticket than a criminal summons.
That said, it is documented. I keep records of violations, and repeat incidents carry higher fines. Two or more violations put you in a higher penalty range.
What Are the Fines?
Under 7 § 3915, the penalties are:
- First violation: not less than $50 and not more than $250
- Two or more violations: not less than $100 and not more than $500
The actual amount is set by the court. If your dog was impounded, you will also owe the municipal impoundment fee plus the actual costs of shelter, food, and any veterinary care during the hold period.
What Happens If Your Dog Was Picked Up
If I was able to identify you as the owner, I will either return the dog directly or bring it to the designated animal shelter. You can reclaim your dog within 6 days by paying the impoundment fee and all accumulated costs. Your dog must also be currently licensed before the shelter will release it.
After 6 days, ownership of the dog transfers to the shelter. At that point the shelter may place it with a new owner or make other disposition decisions. Even after the 6-day window, you may still reclaim your dog at any time before it is sold, donated, or disposed of, as long as you pay all fees.
Call Oxford County Dispatch at 207-743-9554, Option 0 as soon as possible to find out where your dog was taken and what your next steps are.
What If Your Dog Bit Someone During the Incident
A bite during an at-large incident is handled separately. Maine has a strict liability dog bite law, which means you can be held responsible for damages regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. A bite may also trigger a dangerous dog investigation on top of the at-large violation.
See Maine Dog Bite Law (7 § 3961) for the full details on owner liability and what comes next after a bite.
How to Prevent It From Happening Again
Most at-large calls come down to a few common situations: a fence that needs repair, a door left open, a dog that slips a collar, or a leash that breaks. A few practical steps go a long way.
- Check your fence line regularly for gaps, loose boards, or soft ground where a dog can dig under.
- Make sure your dog’s collar fits properly and cannot slip over the head.
- Keep your dog’s license current. A licensed, microchipped dog gets home faster if it does get out.
- If your dog has a history of escaping, talk to a trainer about containment and recall training.
If your dog got out and you are not sure where it ended up, call Oxford County Dispatch at 207-743-9554, Option 0. Getting a report in quickly helps me watch for your animal on any calls in the area and improves the odds of a faster reunion.
For more on related Maine animal laws, see the Animal Control FAQ or the full Maine Laws section.
