Maple Grove, MN Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Maple Grove's Chapter 6 does not use the word "hoarding," but several provisions together control the conditions that animal hoarding creates. First, Sec. 6-30(d) sets firm per-dwelling-unit limits - two dogs, two cats, six caged rodents, two rabbits, six cage birds, six small snakes, six lizards/turtles, and two ferrets - so simply keeping too many animals is itself a violation. Second, Sec. 6-23 declares it a nuisance to own, keep, or harbor an animal that damages property, deposits uncollected fecal matter, scratches or bites a person, or repeatedly violates the chapter or state law (more than twice in any 12-month period), or that otherwise becomes a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare. Third, Sec. 6-28 requires that premises where animals are kept be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and not become a harbor for rodents, flies, or insects, and it adopts Minnesota's cruelty-to-animals statutes (Minn. Stat. 343.20 to 343.36) and federal humane-care regulations (9 CFR 1) by reference. Severe hoarding cases that involve neglect, inadequate food, water, or shelter can therefore be prosecuted under the adopted state cruelty laws in addition to the local caps and nuisance rules. Animal abandonment is separately prohibited by Sec. 6-21.