Is releasing a pet rabbit into the wild considered animal cruelty in Maine? | Fact brief

Maine Law Makes Releasing a Pet into the Wild Criminal

In a move that underscores the state’s commitment to animal welfare, Maine’s statutes classify the deliberate abandonment of a pet—such as a rabbit—into the wild as animal cruelty. The law, rooted in a 1987 reform, allows both criminal prosecution and civil fines for offenders.

Under the Maine Animal Welfare Act, an “abandoned animal” is defined as one that has been deserted by its owner or keeper. The state’s cruelty statute treats abandoning an animal as equally severe as injuring, torturing, or beating it. Consequently, the intentional, knowing or reckless release of a pet into the wild is generally treated as a Class D crime. The offense escalates to a Class C crime if the animal dies as a result or if the offender already has at least two prior animal‑cruelty convictions.

While criminal charges are common, prosecutors may also pursue civil violations under the state’s cruelty provisions. A first‑time offense can attract a civil penalty of up to $5,000, with subsequent violations raising the maximum fine to $10,000.

The current animal‑welfare framework dates back to a sweeping 1987 reform law that established both criminal and civil enforcement of animal‑cruelty statutes, including abandonment. The law was enacted to give local and state authorities stronger tools to protect animals from neglect and mistreatment.

The fact brief that prompted this coverage was written in response to an online discussion about a deceased pet rabbit. The Maine Trust for Local News, in partnership with Gigafact, provides brief, fact‑checked summaries of trending claims to help readers understand the legal context of animal‑welfare questions.