Maine Statewide Rule
Maine state law: cruelty and aggravated cruelty (17 MRS § 1031 + 7 MRS § 4015)
Key Facts
- Cruelty statute
- 17 MRS § 1031
- Aggravated cruelty class
- Class C crime; mandatory $1,000-$10,000 fine
- Care-standard statute
- 7 MRS § 4015 (proper shelter, clean conditions)
- No standalone hoarding offense
- Prosecuted as cruelty + neglect
Summary
Maine does not define 'animal hoarding' as a standalone offense, but the conduct is prosecuted under cruelty-to-animals (17 MRS § 1031) and proper-shelter (7 MRS § 4015) statutes. Aggravated cruelty is a Class C crime.
§1031. Cruelty to animals 1. Cruelty to animals. Except as provided in subsections 1‑D and 1‑E , a person, including an owner or the owner's agent, is guilty of cruelty to animals if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly: A. Kills or attempts to kill any animal belonging to another person without the consent of the owner or without legal privilege. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §13 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] A-1. Violates paragraph A and, at the time of the offense, has 2 or more prior convictions for violations of this section, section 1032 or essentially similar crimes in other jurisdictions. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §13 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. Except for a licensed veterinarian or a person certified under section 1042 , kills or attempts to kill an animal by a method that does not cause instantaneous death. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §13 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B-1. Violates paragraph B and, at the time of the offense, has 2 or more prior convictions for violations of this section, section 1032 or essentially similar crimes in other jurisdictions. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §13 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C.
Full Breakdown
Maine prosecutes animal hoarding through its cruelty-to-animals framework rather than a dedicated hoarding statute. ' 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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maine have an animal hoarding law?
What is the penalty for animal hoarding in Maine?
Who investigates animal hoarding in Maine?
Sources
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