Del Norte County, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Del Norte County addresses the conditions underlying animal hoarding through several tools rather than a single hoarding ordinance. Title 8, Chapter 2 (Dogs and other Pets) imposes a duty of care: the owner or custodian of any animal must provide necessary food, proper drink, proper shelter, necessary veterinary care, and must securely confine the animal so it cannot escape, with care provided in a humane manner. Title 8, Chapter 1 (General Provisions) addresses nuisances caused by animals: the ordinance directs that animal nuisances be handled through the procedure found in California Penal Code Section 597.1, and provides that when an animal is cruelly treated, Animal Control may impound the animal under Penal Code Section 597.1. The ordinance also references California Penal Code Section 597 for abused or neglected animals. The County further limits unlicensed multi-dog keeping: more than five dogs kept for commercial purposes is a 'kennel' requiring a license under Chapter 2. For serious neglect, the controlling law is statewide. California Penal Code Section 597 makes it a crime to deprive an animal of necessary food, water, or shelter or to subject it to needless suffering, chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony; overcrowding that compromises animals' health and safety is the hallmark of hoarding cases. Penal Code Section 597.1 authorizes officers and veterinarians to seize neglected animals, hold hearings, and recover care costs. Del Norte County Animal Services works with these provisions when intervening in hoarding situations.