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Animal Welfare Program
The purpose of the Animal Welfare Program is to ensure humane and proper treatment of animals by developing, implementing and administering a comprehensive program that upholds the animal welfare laws of Maine through communication, education and enforcement.
Public Meetings / Comments
- February 23, 2023 : Animal Welfare Advisory Council Meeting
- March 23, 2023 : Animal Welfare Advisory Council Meeting
- April 20, 2023 : Animal Welfare Advisory Council Meeting
News
2022 Surveys
Please note forms cannot be saved and filled out later. You must complete in one sitting.
- Maine Animal Shelter Survey - Submission Deadline February 14, 2023
- Animal Control Officer Survey - Submission Deadline January 31, 2023
Animal Shelter Partner News
Legislative Update Affecting Partner Shelters (PDF)
Pet Food Pantries
Aquaculture Petition
The Animal Welfare Program received a petition requesting the Department undertake rulemaking governing fish welfare in aquaculture facilities. The Response to that Petition is available (PDF).
Animal Welfare Annual Report
Help Fix ME! Updates
12/20/22 - Help Fix ME Program Communication to Stakeholders on 12/20/2022 (PDF)
How to Contact the Animal Welfare Office
To report an animal cruelty or neglect complaint during business hours 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday:
Complaints received via email must contain the reporting party’s name and phone number; the name of the animal owner, (if known), a physical address, a description of the animals and the type of complaint.
- (207) 287-3846
- 1-877-269-9200 (Toll Free)
- animal.welfare@maine.gov
For an emergency outside of business hours:
Please call the Bangor Barracks of the State Police, 207-973-3700, and they will contact an Animal Welfare Program representative.
Animal Control Officer Contacts
Support the Animal Welfare Program
Support Animal Welfare License Plate
The proceeds from the Support Animal Welfare specialty plate will be equally distributed between the Animal Welfare Auxiliary Fund and the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.
Donations
Help fight animal cruelty and pet overpopulation in the State of Maine by making a donation online!
Income Tax Form Check Off
Make a voluntary contribution to Maine's Companion Animal Sterilization Fund on your income tax return. On your Maine State Tax Form, check the box called The Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.
The fund will be used to save lives by:
- spaying/neutering cats and dogs
- preventing unwanted litters
- lowering shelter intakes
- lowering shelter euthanasia
- reducing the number of feral cats
- reducing dog bites