Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Lewiston requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Lewiston Code of Ordinances § 14-49. The fine for a first offense is at least $160.
What the Lewiston ordinance says
| Ordinance | Lewiston Code of Ordinances § 14-49 (Disposal of excrement); penalty § 14-2 |
|---|---|
| Fine | At least $160 |
| Repeat offense | $160 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | Yes |
How the penalty works
§ 14-2 sets Chapter 14 fines by the City Council policy manual. The city's 'Miscellaneous Fees and Penalties' schedule (updated 10/17/2023) lists Chapter 14 penalties as a fine of no less than $160 for each of the first and second violations and a $530 minimum for any subsequent violation. Community service may replace the fine on a showing of financial hardship (§ 14-2).
The carry rule
No carry requirement. § 14-49 (amended 7-20-23) makes the owner responsible for immediate removal of a dog's excrement on public or private property other than the owner's. Exemption: § 14-4 exempts any animal accompanying a physically challenged person who is physically unable to comply.
In practice
Pick up every time, bag it, and put it in a trash can. That is the one method that satisfies every ordinance in the country. The Walk Dispenser clips to the leash and holds a full roll.
Elsewhere in Maine
Maine dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: Portland dog poop law · Bangor dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Lewiston municipal code. Codes change, so read the current version before relying on this for an actual citation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
