Maine legal term
Animal in Maine Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Maine legislative session
In Maine criminal law, “Animal” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Maine criminal code.
What does “Animal” mean in Maine criminal law?
"Animal" means every living, sentient creature not a human being. 2-A. (17 M.R.S. § 1011)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Animal fighting
- Animals abandoned at animal care facilities
- Criminal simulation
- Cruel confinement of calves raised for veal and sows during gestation
- Cruelty to animals
- Cruelty to birds
- Deceptive business practices
- Necessary medical attention
- Necessary sustenance
- Proper shelter; protection from the weather and humanely clean conditions
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.