Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Maine, animal cruelty is addressed under Title 17, Chapter 42 of the Maine Revised Statutes. The laws prohibit a wide range of mistreatment of animals, including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. Neglect involves failing to provide an animal with necessary sustenance, necessary medical attention, proper shelter, protection from the weather, or humanely clean conditions. More severe forms of cruelty, such as torture, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal, are also illegal and may result in more serious charges. Maine law also includes specific provisions for the care of animals by their owners and others, and establishes penalties for violations that can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, Maine has laws that address the tethering of dogs, the transport of animals in a cruel manner, and the fighting of animals, all of which are considered forms of cruelty under state law.