Animal hoarding in Houston addressed through Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 and BARC Animal Shelter. Texas Penal Code 42.092 for cruelty.
Houston limits animals per household under Chapter 6. BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation & Care) at (311 or 713-229-7300) handles complaints. TPC 42.092 for cruelty. Animal hoarding cases in Houston typically come to light through welfare checks, neighbor complaints, or landlord concerns. Houston Animal Services coordinates with mental-health professionals and code enforcement since hoarding is recognized as a mental-health disorder under the DSM-5. Repeat cases may trigger court-ordered inspections, limits on future pet ownership, and mandatory counseling. Report suspected hoarding to Houston 311 at 3-1-1 or (713) 837-0311 — do not confront the resident directly, as intervention requires trained specialists.
Code fines for exceeding limits. Cruelty: state jail felony under TPC 42.092.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle animal hoarding.
See how Houston's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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