Every few weeks, I see the same situation play out.
Someone finds an animal wandering loose. They scoop it up, bring it home, and post on Facebook: “Found this sweetie! Does anyone know who she belongs to?”
The intentions are good. The outcome, though, can actually make things worse for the animal and the owner.
Here is why calling your Animal Control Officer first is always the right move, and what the law actually says about it.
Maine Law Requires a Stray Hold
Under Maine Title 7, every stray domestic animal has a legally required holding period before it can be adopted, transferred, or otherwise rehomed. This is called a stray hold.
The purpose is simple. It gives the owner a real chance to find and reclaim their animal.
When an ACO picks up a stray, that hold starts immediately. The animal goes to the contracted shelter, the ACO begins gathering information, and the clock starts ticking. Shelters network with groups like Maine Lost Dog Recovery, Maine Lost Cat Recovery, and local volunteer organizations to spread the word.
When someone takes a stray home without notifying the ACO, that hold never starts. The shelter has no record of the animal. Posting on Facebook helps, and you absolutely should, but without the ACO involved, the legal protections and resources that exist to reunite families never kick in.
The Town Pays for Vet Care, But Only Through the ACO
Here is something a lot of people do not realize.
Under Maine Title 7 §3919-A, municipalities are responsible for the cost of necessary veterinary care for stray animals found within their borders. That includes emergency treatment, vaccinations, and basic medical evaluation.
But there is a catch. That funding is only secured when the animal comes in through the ACO. If a well-meaning finder brings a stray directly to a vet or shelter on their own, the town has no obligation to pay.
That means one of two things happens. Either the finder gets stuck with a vet bill they were not expecting, or the animal does not get the care it needs because nobody wants to pay for it.
Calling the ACO first makes sure the animal gets treated and the cost falls where it legally should.
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
We have seen cases recently where animals were picked up by finders who believed the animal was neglected. The animal looked thin, unkempt, or old.
After the ACO got involved, gathered history, and spoke with the owners, it turned out those animals were elderly, under active veterinary care, and loved.
ACOs do not just pick up animals. We investigate. Gather context. Talk to owners, check records, and follow up on welfare concerns. Jumping to conclusions without that process can separate a pet from a family that is doing everything right.
If you genuinely suspect neglect or abuse, that is exactly what the ACO is trained to handle. Report it. Let us look into it properly. You can learn more about what qualifies as cruelty under Maine’s animal cruelty laws (7 §4011).
Livestock Have Stray Holds Too
This is one that surprises people. Under Maine law, livestock are included in stray hold requirements. Cows, goats, horses, chickens. If they are loose and unattended, the process is the same.
Some shelters can accommodate livestock. Some cannot. But that is the ACO’s problem to solve, not the finder’s. We coordinate placement, notify owners, and manage the hold period. You do not need to figure out what to do with a loose cow on your own. Just call.
Your ACO Does More Than You Think
A lot of people still think of the ACO as “the dog catcher.” That is a small piece of a much bigger job.
Your ACO connects people with resources. We coordinate with shelters, rescue organizations, and volunteer networks. Assist with licensing, vaccination compliance, and nuisance complaints. Follow up on welfare concerns. Handle dangerous animal situations. And work with the courts when enforcement is necessary.
When you call your ACO about a stray, you are activating an entire system designed to get that animal to the right outcome. Facebook is a great tool in that process, but it is not a replacement for that system.
What To Do When You Find a Stray Animal
Here is the simple version:
Step 1: Call your ACO. If you do not have the number, call your local non-emergency law enforcement line and they will connect you.
Step 2: Post on Facebook, share photos, get the word out. Social media is a powerful tool for reuniting lost animals with their owners. The more eyes, the better.
Step 3: If the animal is safe where it is, keep an eye on it until the ACO arrives. If it is in immediate danger (road, traffic, injury), do what you can to keep it safe without putting yourself at risk.
Your ACO does this too. When I pick up a stray, I take photos and share them on social media to help get the animal home faster. We are all working toward the same goal. The difference is that calling the ACO first makes sure the legal protections, vet care funding, and shelter resources are all in place while that Facebook post does its job.
For my coverage area (Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, and the Oxford County Unorganized Territories), all calls go through Oxford County Dispatch at 207-743-9554, Option 0.
Your local shelters are also ready to help once the ACO brings the animal in:
- Responsible Pet Care (South Paris/Oxford): 207-743-8679
- Harvest Hills Animal Shelter (Fryeburg): 207-935-4358
If your pet is missing, check out How to Find Your Missing Cat for tips that actually work in rural Maine.
The System Works When We Use It
I know this system is not perfect everywhere. ACO coverage varies across the state, and some communities have real gaps. That is a conversation worth having, and people across Maine are working on it.
But the system works best when everyone plays their part. Finders call the ACO and share on social media. ACOs respond, investigate, and share photos too. Shelters hold and network. Owners check shelters and file reports. When that chain stays intact, animals go home.
When someone pulls a link out of that chain, even with the best intentions, the whole thing can fall apart.
Call your ACO. Post on Facebook. Do both. That is the single best thing you can do for a stray animal.
For more on Maine animal laws, visit the Animal Control FAQ or browse the full Maine Laws section. You can also check the Maine Animal Welfare Program for statewide resources.
