Maine Animal Coalition: Maine Animal Law - National Study shows Maine's Animal Cruelty Laws among the toughest in the nation

Maine Animal Law: National Study shows Maine's Animal Cruelty Laws among the toughest in the nation

The Animal Legal Defense Fund, based in California, has been compiling statistics on state animal cruelty laws for years. This year, it decided to compare the laws in the different states. Maine is ranked among the top five in the nation!

In Maine, animal abusers can face felony charges, go to prison, be forced to give up their animals, pay restitution, veterinary costs and boarding fees, face mandatory counseling, and most importantly, could be banned from owning animals ever again.

Sadly, other states are not as progressive. Among the worst,Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, North Dakota and Utah. There abuse is rarely, if ever, considered a felony. All, except Hawaii, allow abusers to keep their animals, do not restrict future ownership, or offer abusers counseling and do not require abusers to pay for veterinary bills or animal care.

Maine Animal Advocates and the Animal Legal Defense Fund agree that Maine should not rest on its laurels. There is more work to be done. The state veterinarian would like to see a crime for animal endangerment, similar to child endangerment, and advocates would like to see better enforcement of the existing laws. That, of course, would require more resources for the underfunded Animal Welfare Program in Augusta. The program, under Norma Worley's direction since a major overhaul in 2000, has made significant progress and inroads. Complaints are on the rise as Mainers become more aware of potential abuse, and become increasingly aware of the Animal Welfare Program and its investigative capabilities.

To view the ALDF full report online:

2006 State Animal Protection Laws Rankings