Exciting enhancements are coming soon to eCode360! Learn more 🡪
City of Biddeford, ME
York County
By using eCode360 you agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please do not use eCode360.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (5) Index
[Code 1975, § 5-1; amended 4-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019.27]
No owner or person having the care of any sheep, swine, horse, mule, ox, cow, fowl or other grazing animal shall permit or suffer such animal to go or remain at large on any street, wharf, lane, alley, common, square or other public place within this City.
[Code 1975, §§ 5-2—5-5]
(a) 
The City's Health Officer shall direct the disposition of any animal found to be infected with rabies.
[Amended 4-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019.27]
(b) 
Every animal bitten by an animal suspected to be rabid shall be destroyed forthwith or, at the owner's expense and option, be treated for rabies infection by a licensed veterinarian, and held under quarantine by the owner for the length and manner set forth in the Maine Rabies Management Guidelines.
[Amended 4-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019.27]
(c) 
The carcass of any dead animal exposed to rabies shall, upon demand, be surrendered to the Health Officer.
(d) 
No person shall fail or refuse to surrender any animal for quarantine or destruction as required in this section when demand is made therefor by the Health Officer.
[Code 1975, §§ 5-6—5-10; Ord. No. 2002.40, 4-16-2002]
(a) 
A police officer or person performing duties as animal control officer shall have the authority to impound animals found in violation of this chapter.
(b) 
An animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter may be reclaimed by the owner upon payment of the impoundment fee set forth in Subsection (c) of this section.
(c) 
An animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter may be reclaimed as provided in Subsection (b) upon payment by the owner of the following fees to the City:
[Amended 4-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019.27]
(1) 
First impoundment for each animal: $30.
(2) 
Second and subsequent impoundments for each animal: $50.
(3) 
Animals that are properly licensed will have the impound fee reduced by half. It is the owner’s responsibility to show proof that the dog is licensed at the time of payment.
(d) 
The City may transfer title of all animals held by it at its animal shelter after the legal detention period of six days has expired, and the animal has not been claimed by its owner.
(e) 
An animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter and not reclaimed by its owner within eight days may be humanely destroyed. After eight days impoundment, such animal may be placed in the custody of some person deemed to be a responsible and suitable owner, who will agree to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 4-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019.27]