Vermont's animal cruelty law applies statewide and addresses neglect including hoarding situations. Under 13 V.S.A. § 352, depriving animals of adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care constitutes cruelty, with felony enhancements for aggravated cases.
13 V.S.A. § 352 makes it a crime to overwork, deprive of food or water, fail to provide proper shelter, or otherwise cruelly treat animals. Aggravated cruelty under § 352a is a felony carrying up to two years imprisonment and $5,000 fines. Hoarding situations typically trigger neglect charges when conditions cause suffering. Humane officers, certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, may seize animals and obtain forfeiture orders. Courts may bar convicted offenders from owning animals. State law preempts municipal authority over criminal cruelty enforcement.
Misdemeanor cruelty: up to 1 year jail, $2,000 fine. Aggravated cruelty: up to 2 years jail, $5,000 fine, animal forfeiture, ownership bans.
Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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See how Burlington's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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