Maine state law: cruelty and aggravated cruelty (17 MRS § 1031 + 7 MRS § 4015)

Maine prosecutes animal hoarding through its cruelty-to-animals framework rather than a dedicated hoarding statute. Per 17 MRS § 1031 (Cruelty to animals), a person is guilty of cruelty when, among other acts, the person 'deprives an animal that the person owns or possesses of necessary sustenance, necessary medical attention, proper shelter, protection from the weather or humanely clean conditions.' This neglect prong is the most common charge in hoarding cases. Subsection 1-B (Aggravated cruelty) elevates the offense to a Class C crime when the actor, 'in a manner manifesting a depraved indifference to animal life or suffering,' causes extreme physical pain, causes death, or physically tortures an animal — punishable by mandatory fines of $1,000 to $10,000 and up to 5 years' incarceration. The companion statute 7 MRS § 4015 (Proper shelter, protection from the weather and humanely clean conditions) sets the affirmative care standard: 'No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to provide the animal with proper shelter, protection from the weather and humanely clean conditions,' with specifications for indoor ventilation, outdoor three-sided shelter with waterproof roof, sufficient space for movement, periodic waste removal, and tethering rules (chain length 5x dog body length for non-sled dogs, swivel attachments). Local Animal Control Officers and humane agents investigate; the Maine Animal Welfare Program (DACF) coordinates large-scale seizure operations.

Cruelty under 17 MRS § 1031 (basic) — civil violation OR Class D crime depending on conduct (Class D: up to 364 days incarceration, $2,000 fine). Aggravated cruelty (1-B) — Class C crime, mandatory $1,000-$10,000 fine and up to 5 years' incarceration. Court-ordered forfeiture of all animals, restitution for care costs, and a possession ban for a period of years are routine in hoarding dispositions.