DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Division of Animal and Plant Health → Animal Welfare Program
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
News
Companion Animal Sterilization Fund
Vouchers Paid By County in 2022 (PDF)
ACO Training Opportunities
Spay-Neuter Clinics
AWAC Board Seats Open for Appointment
The following board seats are open on the Animal Welfare Advisory Council. To be considered for appointment, all candidates must apply to the Governor expressing their interest in appointment.
- Seat 5 - Must Represent Licensed Pet Shops
- Seat 9 - Must be a Cooperative Extension Agent or Specialist
- Seat 12 - Must represent a State-based animal advocacy group
- Seat 13 -Holds a Kennel license issued under Section 3923-C
Chapter 702 Help Fix ME Updated Rules
The final updated Chapter 702 “Help Fix ME” Rules were filed with the Secretary of State on Friday, February 24. This filing marked the completion of the Rulemaking process. The comment summary (PDF) and the final Rule document (PDF) is available.
These rules will be the basis for the Request for Proposal (RFP) and it will be up to whatever group successfully receives the contract to implement the program however they choose within the parameters of the RFP. Steps to begin the RFP process are underway and will follow state requirements. We will alert stakeholders using our newsletter when the RFP is released.
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
How to Contact the Animal Welfare Office
To report an animal cruelty or neglect complaint during business hours 8 am to 4:00 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