Avondale, AZ Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Avondale relies on Arizona's animal-cruelty law to deal with hoarding-type neglect. Under A.R.S. 13-2910, a person commits cruelty to animals if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly subject any animal in their custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment, or fail to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering. 'Cruel neglect' means failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, or shelter (and, for a domestic animal, adequate shelter meeting health standards) - the core problem in hoarding situations where too many animals are kept without adequate care. Depending on the specific paragraph violated, the offense ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor up to a class 6 or class 5 felony, with the more serious classifications for intentional cruelty. Avondale's Animal Control Division (Police Department) investigates neglect complaints, can impound at-risk animals, and works with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control for housing and disposition of seized animals. While Avondale does not advertise a stand-alone hoarding ordinance, the combination of state cruelty law, the city's animal-keeping and sanitation provisions in City Code Chapter 3, and any kennel/zoning limits gives the city tools to intervene in hoarding cases. Residents who suspect hoarding or neglect should contact Avondale Animal Control.