Humane Enforcement FAQs
Listed here are answers to some of the more common questions we receive regarding Humane Enforcement. If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, give us a call at (808) 877-3680 ext. 222 – we’ll do our best to help!
View all Maui County Animal Laws
If my pet is missing and I call the Maui Humane Society to report it, will I get in trouble for my pet being loose?
For your pet’s safety, please report missing pets as soon as you realize they are missing to give them the best chance at returning home. You may have to pay a fee if your animal spends time at the shelter to cover the cost of boarding, or if your pet has been found loose more than once.
If I call to report neglect or cruelty, will you take the person’s pet away from them?
Pets are considered private property, so they will only be removed if the animal is clearly in distress, injured, suffering or in any danger. The pet may be returned once the violations have been rectified.
Does Maui Humane Society have the authority to enter people’s property to assess a situation?
Yes they do. Hawaii and Maui County law gives Maui Humane Enforcement Officers police and sheriff powers when enforcing animal related investigations. This allows our officers to enter any property whether locked, chained, posted or fenced for the purpose of investigating the needs of an animal.
I am out of town and my pet’s caretaker told me my pet has gone missing. What should I do?
Call the Maui Humane Society as soon as possible, and have your caretaker call us as well to file a Lost Report.
How do I report an injured animal or other animal related emergency after hours?
For after hours emergencies, contact the Maui Humane Society at (808) 877-3680 and follow the instructions. If you or someone you know is attacked or in immediate danger, dial 911.
Does Maui Humane Society have the authority to force a pet owner to euthanize an aggressive or dangerous dog?
It is not against the law to own an aggressive dog on Maui and we can not force the pet owner to euthanize a dog for this purpose.
A dog is not considered a “Dangerous Dog” unless it has committed certain acts and has been deemed such by a Humane Enforcement Officer.
Dogs with the designation of “Deemed Dangerous” can be euthanized against the owner’s wishes under the following circumstances.
- Under a court order.
- If a deemed dog is not restricted in movement as required by law and cannot be safely seized.
Why doesn’t MHS pull over people who don’t tether their dogs in truck beds?
Maui Humane Society Humane Officers do not drive emergency vehicles. This means we have to obey all the same traffic laws as everyone else and do not have the authority to make traffic stops. If you see an unrestrained dog, help us to protect our pets by noting the vehicle’s license plate number and reporting it immediately to the Maui Humane Society.
Who should I call if I have a wildlife related issue?
Maui Humane Society deals specifically with issues related to domesticated animals. For general wildlife issues, please contact the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources at (808) 984-8100. For snakes, lizards and other reptiles please contact the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture at (808) 973-9560.
Is there a limit to how many pets a person can own?
There is no state or county limit to how many animals a person can own if they are all properly cared for and all property laws are being abided . However, some properties may have restrictions. Always check with your landlord or Homeowner’s Association before choosing to add another furry member to your family.
