Cumberland County, ME Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Maine does not have a standalone animal-hoarding statute, but 17-A MRS § 1031 reaches the conduct directly. Subsection 1 makes it a Class D crime to 'deprive an animal that the person owns or possesses of necessary sustenance, necessary medical attention, proper shelter, protection from the weather or humanely clean conditions' — the conditions that characterize hoarding. Confining animals where extreme temperatures will harm their health is also Class D. Subsection 1-B (aggravated cruelty) elevates conduct that manifests 'depraved indifference to animal life or suffering' to a Class C crime, carrying a mandatory $1,000–$10,000 fine. Subsection 3-B establishes a minimum $500 fine per Class D violation and authorizes the court to prohibit future animal ownership: Class D convictions may include an ownership ban; Class C convictions must include at least a 5-year prohibition or a permanent ban. Violation of a court-ordered ownership prohibition is itself a Class D crime. The Cumberland County District Attorney prosecutes; investigations are typically conducted jointly by the municipal animal control officer (ACO), local police, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, and the Maine Animal Welfare Program (Maine DACF). Civil seizure of animals is available under 17 MRS § 1021 (warrant for cruelty) with subsequent forfeiture proceedings.