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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.