Madison Ch. 9 caps household animals and authorizes welfare seizure when conditions become unsanitary or cruel. Dane County Humane Society and Madison Animal Services investigate hoarding complaints reported by neighbors or postal carriers.
Madison General Ordinances Ch. 9 sets per-household animal limits (typically 4 dogs/cats combined without a kennel license) and incorporates Wis. Stat. ch. 951 cruelty standards. When officers document overcrowding, ammonia odor, untreated medical conditions, or fecal accumulation, animals can be impounded by Dane County Humane Society. Repeat offenders face misdemeanor charges under §951.18, plus restitution for veterinary costs. Public Health Madison & Dane County coordinates on biohazard cleanup and may condemn dwellings declared unfit for human occupancy under Ch. 27 housing standards.
First-time hoarding violations bring forfeitures around $200-$500 plus boarding costs; chronic cruelty escalates to Class A misdemeanor charges with possession bans.
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See how Madison's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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