Grass Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Nevada County does not publish a separate 'animal hoarding' ordinance, but the situation is reached through several rules. The County's Animal Keeping and Raising standards (Sec. 12.03.040) limit dogs and cats to no more than 3 combined in the R1, R2, R3 residential, commercial, and industrial districts, and to a total of 6 animals (no more than 3 dogs) on parcels of 0.5 acre or less, regardless of zoning. Anyone keeping animals above these limits, or operating a kennel as defined in General Code Chapter IV, Article 1, Section 1.37, must obtain a kennel license from the Department of Animal Control, which entails inspection. All animals must be cared for in a manner that does not create a public health problem or public nuisance, and all enclosures must be maintained to discourage flies, disease vectors, and offensive odors (Ord. 2223). When the number of animals compromises their health or safety through overcrowding, neglect, or unsanitary conditions, the conduct is prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 597, the state's animal-cruelty statute, which is a 'wobbler' chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony. Nevada County Animal Control investigates neglect and welfare complaints and can impound animals kept in violation.