Animal Ordinances in Portland, ME (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Portland, Maine, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Portland allows up to 6 female chickens per lot for non-commercial use under Chapter 5, Article IV (Sec. 5-400 et seq.). Roosters are banned, the chicken permit was repealed in 2017, and henhouses must sit at least 10 feet from any residential structure on adjacent lots.
Backyard Chickens: 6 Hens, Females Only, No Roosters
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Maine state law (7 MRS § 3911) makes it unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large except when hunting. Portland enforces this through its Animal Control program and applies additional leash rules in city parks and on public ways.
Dogs Must Be Restrained — State Law Plus Portland Animal Control
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Portland does not — and legally cannot — restrict or ban dogs based on breed. Maine Revised Statutes 7 § 3950 expressly prohibits municipalities from adopting any breed-specific ordinance, law, or regulation. Dangerous-dog rules apply equally to all breeds.
No Breed-Specific Restrictions — Prohibited by Maine State Law
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Portland has no specific beekeeping ordinance in Chapter 5 — beekeeping is generally allowed citywide. However, every Maine beekeeper must register their hives annually with the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by June 15 under 7 MRS §2701, and apiaries are subject to municipal nuisance enforcement.
Beekeeping: No City Permit, but Maine Apiary Law Registration Required
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Portland Code Chapter 5, Article VI (Sec. 5-506 to 5-509), effective October 18, 2017, prohibits the display of wild and exotic animals in traveling animal acts (circuses, fairs, exhibitions). Personal exotic-pet ownership is governed by Maine state wildlife in captivity rules administered by Maine DIFW.
Wild and Exotic Animals: Display in Traveling Acts Banned (2017)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Under Portland Code Sec. 5-110 (Article III), it is illegal to intentionally feed wildlife — including pigeons and squirrels — on public ways or on city-owned/controlled property within the Portland Downtown District. Lincoln Park is exempted. A verbal or written warning is required before a citation can be issued.
No Feeding Wildlife in the Downtown District
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Portland has no city ordinance that sets a specific limit on the number of pets a person may keep or that uses the term 'animal hoarding.' Hoarding cases are prosecuted under Maine's animal cruelty statute (17 MRS §1031 and 7 MRS §4011) when animals are deprived of necessary sustenance, medical attention, shelter, or humanely clean conditions.
Animal Hoarding: No Local Numeric Cap — Enforced via Maine Cruelty Statute
Some RestrictionsLooking for Cumberland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Cumberland County →