Larimer County addresses hoarding through its pet-quantity and care standards. Sec. 6-80 requires proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, and Sec. 6-81 limits animals to the number that can be kept healthy. Severe cases are prosecuted under Colorado cruelty law C.R.S. 18-9-202.
Larimer County has no ordinance using the word "hoarding," but two provisions cover it. Sec. 6-80 requires every pet owner to provide sufficient wholesome food and water, proper shelter, weather protection, and necessary veterinary care, and bars abandonment or abuse. Sec. 6-81 caps the number of pets at what can be maintained in a healthy condition without a health or safety hazard or nuisance. Animals kept in violation of Sec. 6-80 may be impounded and withheld from the owner under Sec. 6-104. Serious neglect escalates to criminal animal cruelty under Colorado law, C.R.S. 18-9-202, which the Larimer County District Attorney and Humane Society investigators can pursue.
Improper-care violations (Sec. 6-80) carry a $100 first-offense penalty and possible impoundment; criminal animal cruelty under C.R.S. 18-9-202 is a misdemeanor that can rise to a felony for aggravated or repeat cruelty.
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