Eagan, MN Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Eagan does not publish a standalone "animal hoarding" ordinance, but several rules together address accumulation of animals. City Code 10.11, Subd. 6.A.5 makes it unlawful to keep four or more dogs or cats (or any combination) over four months of age without a kennel permit, and kennel permits are generally not issued to residential homes — so a household cannot lawfully accumulate large numbers of dogs and cats on a typical lot. The same nuisance subdivision prohibits letting animals habitually bark, cry, howl, or make other loud noises, letting them defecate on others' property, and letting feces accumulate on the premises for more than 24 hours, which are common symptoms of over-crowding. The Eagan Police Department's animal control officer investigates animal complaints, enforces these provisions, and conducts inspections of animal-keeping facilities. Severe cases involving neglect or cruelty are handled under Minnesota state law: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343 makes it a crime to deprive an animal of necessary food, water, shelter, or care, and authorizes intervention and seizure of mistreated animals. Together, the local pet-limit and nuisance rules plus state cruelty statutes give the City and county tools to respond to hoarding-type situations even without a dedicated hoarding ordinance.