Bangor Police Investigate Dog Shooting Incident On March Street

A representative with the Bangor Police Department says there's an active investigation into the alleged shooting and injuring of a dog within the city limits on Tuesday morning.

Public Engagement Specialist Katy England says someone called in a report that gunshots had been heard near March Street just before 9 a.m. Tuesday.

"Officers arrived and determined shots had been fired, injuring a dog. The dog has been
transported to a local veterinary hospital, where it is being treated and is expected to live."

England says police are still investigating the matter to determine how the dog was injured and who was responsible.

According to Maine law, shooting a dog (or any domestic animal) in the Pine Tree State can result in severe penalties ranging from heavy fines and civil damages to felony charges with mandatory jail time, depending on the circumstances.

Under Title 17, Section 1031 of the Maine Revised Statutes, if someone " intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly kills or attempts to kill a cat or dog without the owner's consent or legal privilege' the state considers that to be animal cruelty.

If found guilty, first-time offenders could face up to just under a year in jail, and/or a fine of no less than $500 but no more than $2000. A conviction of a third offense could land you in jail for up to 5 years, and cost you $5000.

But if the court finds you guilty of tormenting an animal, it could be considered a Felony offense.

"Aggravated Cruelty: If the shooting involves aggravated cruelty (conduct intended to cause extreme physical pain or carried out in a depraved/sadistic manner), the perpetrator can be charged with a Class C felony."

If the dog is found to be a nuisance, however, the owner could also be on the hook, according to the law.

"Any person may lawfully kill a dog if necessary to protect that person, another person, or a domesticated animal during the course of a sudden, unprovoked assault....A person who owns or keeps a dog determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog commits a civil violation for which the court shall adjudge a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $5,000, plus costs, none of which may be suspended."