on September 10, 2026

Maine Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Maine has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. None of them uses a set ticket amount. Fines are set by a judge within a range the code allows.

Why Maine leaves it to cities

Maine has no statewide dog waste statute. The Maine State Law Library states it 'has identified no Maine statutes that address picking up dog waste; however, there might be local ordinances regarding this.' State law does ban dogs at large statewide (7 M.R.S. § 3911: 'It is unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to be at large, except when used for hunting'), and 7 M.R.S. § 3950 lets municipalities adopt or retain more stringent dog ordinances (but not breed-specific ones). Pickup rules and fines are set by each city. Verified 2026-09-10.

  • Dogs at large prohibited statewide: 7 M.R.S. § 3911 (read it)
  • Municipalities may adopt more stringent dog ordinances (no breed-specific rules): 7 M.R.S. § 3950 (read it)
  • Maine State Law Library: no Maine statute addresses picking up dog waste: Maine State Law Library, 'Dogs' research guide (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Maine's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Portland Portland City Code Chapter 5, Division 3 (Canine Waste), §§ 5-71 to 5-75 At least $250 No
Lewiston Lewiston Code of Ordinances § 14-49 (Disposal of excrement); penalty § 14-2 At least $160 No
Bangor Bangor City Code § 65-5.1(A) (Animal waste and other disturbances); penalty § 65-18 At least $50 No

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

None of the cities we checked in Maine spell out a separate duty to carry a bag, but the pickup duty applies the moment your dog goes, and "I did not have a bag" is not a defense in any of them.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Maine

  • The Maine State Law Library says no Maine statute addresses picking up dog waste; it is purely a local matter.
  • Portland sets a $250 minimum fine per violation and $500 for a third offense; violators who show financial hardship may instead do 25 hours of picking up canine waste (§ 5-74).
  • Portland dropped its carry-a-bag rule in 1983 (former § 5-72 repealed by Ord. No. 236-83).
  • 7 M.R.S. § 3950 lets towns adopt stricter dog rules than the state but bars breed-specific ordinances.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Maine?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Maine?

It depends on the city. Portland: At least $250. Lewiston: At least $160. Bangor: At least $50.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Maine?

Not as a separate rule in the cities we checked. You still have to pick up, so in practice you need one.

Are service dog handlers exempt?

In Portland, Lewiston and Bangor, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.

Other states in the Northeast

New York · Pennsylvania · New Jersey · Massachusetts · Connecticut · New Hampshire · Rhode Island · Vermont

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.