Orland, ME asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Maine

Q: If I suspect animal abuse or neglect on a neighbors property how much trouble could I get in for trespassing for proof?

Animal control has been called more than once from other neighbors and they have done nothing. The property is very obviously dirty and smells horrible. You can see many dogs on short chains and small, inadequate cages from the road. If someone were to go on the residents property to get proof of abuse or neglect, how much trouble could that bring?

1 Lawyer Answer
Zachary J. Smith
Zachary J. Smith
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Bangor, ME
  • Licensed in Maine

A: This sounds hypothetically as if it would constitute trespass, a misdemeanor-level offense. However, I'm not certain that under these circumstances you would be charged. Another concern would be a property owner who thinks a trespasser is there to cause harm and accordingly shooting said trespasser.

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