PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 28, 2026
Yes. Deliberately releasing a pet rabbit into the wild and leaving it there is considered animal cruelty under Maine law. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly abandoning an animal is generally a Class D crime. It becomes a more serious Class C crime if the animal dies as a result, or if the offender has at least two prior animal cruelty convictions. Prosecutors may instead pursue a civil violation, carrying a fine up to $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.