San Bernardino County Animal Care responds to hoarding complaints under Title 3 cruelty rules and California Penal Code section 597. Excessive animals creating unsanitary or neglectful conditions are seized; owners face misdemeanor charges and animal forfeiture.
Animal Care officers investigate hoarding reports across the unincorporated county and 14 contract cities. Investigators document conditions, body scores, and ammonia levels. Combined with state cruelty law, owners may lose all animals and be barred from future ownership. Mental health coordination is encouraged because hoarding is recognized as a behavioral disorder. Devore Animal Shelter accepts surrendered animals when capacity allows. Officers can obtain warrants for entry when neglect is observed from public view.
Misdemeanor cruelty charges, animal forfeiture, restitution for boarding and veterinary costs, and possible bans on future animal ownership for several years.
See how Fontana's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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