Des Moines limits the total number of dogs and cats per household and authorizes Animal Control to seize animals from hoarding situations under Chapter 6, with prosecution available for cruelty under Iowa Code Chapter 717B.
Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 6 caps the number of dogs and cats kept at one residence and prohibits maintaining animals in conditions that endanger their health or create public nuisances. Animal Control officers may inspect, impound, and seek court orders to remove animals from hoarding situations where overcrowding, untreated illness, or unsanitary conditions exist. Cases involving cruelty or neglect can be referred for criminal charges under Iowa Code Chapter 717B. Hoarders may face permanent bans on owning animals, mandatory mental-health evaluation, restitution for boarding costs, and surrender of all animals beyond legal limits.
Exceeding pet limits, neglecting animals, refusing welfare inspections, or maintaining unsanitary conditions can lead to seizure, citations, criminal cruelty charges, and ownership bans.
Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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See how Des Moines's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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