Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Portland requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Portland City Code Chapter 5. The fine for a first offense is at least $250.
What the Portland ordinance says
| Ordinance | Portland City Code Chapter 5, Division 3 (Canine Waste), §§ 5-71 to 5-75 |
|---|---|
| Fine | At least $250 |
| Repeat offense | $250 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | Yes |
How the penalty works
Β§ 5-74: minimum penalty of $250 for each violation, and a $500 minimum for a third offense (a second offense stays at the $250 minimum). Where financial hardship is shown, community service may replace the fine: 25 hours of removing canine waste per offense, 50 hours for a third or later offense. Enforced by parks and recreation staff, police, or the canine control officer (Β§ 5-73).
The carry rule
Portland repealed its carry requirement: former Β§ 5-72, which required owners to possess a means of removing canine waste, was repealed by Ord. No. 236-83 on Oct. 17, 1983. Β§ 5-71 requires removal from any sidewalk, street or publicly owned property. Exemption: Β§ 5-75 exempts a dog accompanying a handicapped 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: Lewiston dog poop law Β· Bangor dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Portland 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.
