Dogs
What is maine's Law on Dogs
Dangerous and Nuisance Dogs
7 MRS §3907(12-D) and (20-A) define “dangerous dog” and "nuisance dog." 7 MRS §3952-A addresses complaints and related penalties. 7 MRS §3955 relates to leaving the scene of an assault by a dog that causes an injury that requires medical attention for a person. Subsection 2 states, “A violation of this section is a Class D crime.”
Pet Waste
The Law Library has identified no Maine statutes that address picking up dog waste; however, there might be local ordinances regarding this.
Service Animals
Please see What is Maine's Law on Service Animals
Other Laws
7 MRS §3911 states, in part, “It is unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large, except when used for hunting.” 7 MRS §3907(6) states, “'At large'” means 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.”
29-A MRS §2255(1) states, “The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident anywhere that results in property damage shall take reasonable steps to notify the owner of that property of the accident. For the purposes of this section, ‘property damage’ includes damage to real and personal property, including but not limited to the injury or death of a dog, a cat or livestock.” Subsection 2 states, in part, “If the accident results in the injury or death of a dog, a cat or livestock, the property owner cannot be located and a report of the accident is not required under section 2251, the operator shall take reasonable steps to immediately report the injury or death to a law enforcement officer or the animal control officer for the municipality or region where the property damage occurred.”
7 MRS §3950 states, in part, “Each municipality is empowered to adopt or retain more stringent ordinances, laws or regulations dealing with the subject matter of this chapter.” Ordinances are often available on a municipality’s website or by calling the town office. For an example of municipal ordinances regarding dogs, see the City of Portland’s City Code Chapter 5, Article II.
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1/6/2026 A-Z List
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