Cumberland County does not adopt or publish a county animal-control code. The operative restraint rule countywide is the Maine state at-large prohibition in 7 MRS § 3911, enforced by each of Cumberland County's 28 municipalities through local animal control officers and (in unorganized areas) the Sheriff.
Cumberland County government has no codified subject-matter ordinances — there is no county leash law and no county animal-control chapter. The baseline statewide rule, 7 MRS § 3911 (Dogs at large), states: 'It is unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large, except when used for hunting.' 'At large' means off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under the immediate control of any person. Under 7 MRS § 3950, municipalities may adopt MORE stringent leash and restraint ordinances (most Cumberland County cities and towns — Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough, Brunswick, etc. — have adopted explicit leash requirements with maximum leash lengths and on-leash zones), but any local ordinance that is LESS restrictive than § 3911 is expressly invalid and unenforceable. Barking-dog ordinances do not apply to dogs herding livestock or serving as agricultural guard dogs (7 MRS § 3950). Enforcement is by the municipal Animal Control Officer that each municipality must designate under 7 MRS § 3947, with Sheriff backup in unorganized territories.
Civil violation under 7 MRS § 3915 for keeping a dog at large; fine schedule set by court (typically $50-$200 first offense, escalating for repeats). Municipal ordinances commonly add a separate citation (Portland, South Portland, Scarborough fines are $50-$250). Impoundment fees and daily boarding at the municipal pound are charged to the owner. A dog declared dangerous after attacking while at large is subject to confinement order under 7 MRS § 3952.
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Cumberland County, ME
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See how Cumberland County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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