Fullerton follows Orange County animal control regulations that limit the number of pets per household. Animal hoarding situations involving unsanitary conditions or neglected animals are addressed through county animal control and city code enforcement.
Under Orange County Code and Fullerton's municipal regulations, residential properties are generally limited in the number of dogs and cats that may be kept. Keeping four or more dogs over the age of four months typically requires a kennel permit. Animal hoarding — the accumulation of animals beyond the owner's ability to provide minimum standards of care — is addressed through coordination between OC Animal Care, Fullerton Code Enforcement, and potentially Adult Protective Services. Conditions associated with hoarding, such as unsanitary premises, excessive odor, and excessive noise from multiple animals, constitute nuisances under FMC provisions. OC Animal Care officers have authority to investigate complaints, inspect premises, and seize animals in cases of neglect or cruelty per California Penal Code Section 597. The city may also pursue nuisance abatement for properties with hoarding conditions that affect neighboring properties.
Animal hoarding may result in animal cruelty charges under CA Penal Code §597, nuisance abatement orders, fines, and mandatory mental health referrals. Animals may be seized and the owner prohibited from future animal ownership.
Fullerton, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle animal hoarding.
See how Fullerton's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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