How many animals can be housed on one-half acre?
Question:
A town code enforcement officer would like to know what the “Right to Food Laws” would be or where to find them. Specifically how many animals a dwelling can have on a half-acre lot and the placement of manure piles with regard to a dwelling. Also, how many animals can be kept in a small place before it is animal danger and cruelty? He is looking for guidance.
Answer:
We recommend at least 1 Acre for grazing 1 animal unit and an animal unit is 1,000 pounds. There is an Agricultural Compliance Program website that has a lot of information about manure and carcass management on the farm. A good person to contact about livestock complaints is Matthew Randall, matthew.randall@maine.gov, phone: (207) 557-0252 with the Maine Dept of Ag.