Maine has a strict liability dog bite law. That means if your dog bites someone, you are responsible, even if the dog has never shown aggression before and even if you had no reason to think it would happen.
Here is what the law says, what it means for you, and what to do if you are on either side of a bite incident in western Maine.
What Maine Law Says
Under Maine Title 7, Section 3961, the owner of a dog is liable for any damages if the dog bites, attacks, or injures a person or another animal. The victim does not have to prove the dog was dangerous. The victim does not have to prove you knew the dog was a risk. Ownership alone is enough to establish liability.
This is different from the old “one bite rule” that some states still use. In Maine, there is no free pass for a first bite.
Who Is Considered the “Owner”
Maine law defines the owner as any person who keeps or harbors a dog. That includes the registered owner, but it can also include someone who is watching the dog at the time of the incident. If you are dog-sitting and the animal bites someone, that can fall on you.
When an Owner Is NOT Liable
There are two situations where the strict liability rule does not apply.
The first is if the person bitten was trespassing. If someone was on your property without permission, liability may not attach.
The second is if the person bitten was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the incident. Provocation is a recognized defense under Maine law.
These exceptions are narrow. “I didn’t know my dog would bite” is not one of them.
What Happens After a Bite in Western Maine
If a dog bites a person or another animal in my service area, here is what typically follows.
The bite should be reported. You can reach me through Oxford County Dispatch at 207-743-9554, Option 0. I document bite incidents, which creates an official record. That record matters if there is a follow-up complaint or a court proceeding.
Maine law also has a rabies quarantine requirement for biting animals. Any dog that bites a person must be quarantined and observed for signs of rabies. Your veterinarian or I can walk you through the specifics depending on the situation.
If the bite is severe or involves significant injury, it may trigger a dangerous dog investigation under Maine’s Dangerous Dog law (7 § 3952). That is a separate process with its own consequences, including the possibility of a court order restricting or requiring the euthanasia of the animal.
What If a Dog Bites Your Animal
The same statute covers dog attacks on other animals, not just people. If a dog attacks and injures your pet or livestock, the dog’s owner can be held liable for your veterinary costs or the value of the animal.
Document everything. Photos, a vet report, and a prompt call to dispatch all help build the record if you want to pursue damages.
What to Do If You Are Bitten
- Get medical attention first. Dog bites can cause serious infections even when the wound looks minor.
- Report the incident to Oxford County Dispatch at 207-743-9554, Option 0.
- Identify the dog and owner if you can. I will follow up from there.
- Keep records of your medical treatment and any related costs.
A Note on Dangerous Dog Orders
A single bite does not automatically make a dog legally “dangerous” under Maine law. That designation requires a formal complaint and a court process. But repeated incidents, serious injuries, or attacks that happen in a pattern are the kind of thing that leads to a dangerous dog proceeding. If you have concerns about a specific dog in your neighborhood, call dispatch and let me know.
For more on related Maine animal laws, see the Animal Control FAQ or the full Maine Laws section.
