Illinois defines and criminalizes companion animal hoarding under the Humane Care for Animals Act, applying uniformly through state criminal code statewide.
The Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70) defines a companion animal hoarder under Section 2.10 as a person who possesses a large number of companion animals, fails to provide minimum care, and persists despite the deteriorating condition of animals or environment. Section 3 requires owners to provide sufficient food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Aggravated cruelty and animal torture are felonies. Local prosecutors and animal control enforce these provisions statewide. Convictions may include mandatory psychological counseling, prohibition on future animal ownership, and forfeiture of all animals.
Class A misdemeanor for violations; Class 4 felony for aggravated cruelty; forfeiture orders.
See how Edwardsville's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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