Buffalo Code Chapter 49 caps household pet numbers and authorizes the Buffalo Animal Shelter and BPD to investigate hoarding complaints, seize neglected animals, and refer cases for cruelty prosecution under New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353.
Buffalo Chapter 49 prohibits keeping animals in conditions injurious to their health, applying when caretakers exceed humane capacity. The Buffalo Animal Shelter coordinates with BPD and Erie County Health on welfare checks triggered by neighbor or veterinarian complaints. Officers may seize animals without warrant under New York Agriculture and Markets Section 373 when life is endangered. Owners face surrender hearings, court-ordered psychological evaluations under hoarding-specific protocols, and prohibition from future ownership. Cruelty charges under Section 353 carry up to one year jail. Buffalo also coordinates with adult protective services when elderly residents are involved.
Civil seizure plus criminal animal-cruelty charges under New York Agriculture and Markets Section 353, fines up to one thousand dollars per animal, and prohibition from owning animals.
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