Miami addresses animal hoarding through Chapter 6 of the City Code and Miami-Dade County animal cruelty provisions. Hoarding is defined as collecting animals and failing to provide humane care, resulting in unsanitary or hazardous living conditions.
The City of Miami defines animal hoarding as collecting animals and failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, and veterinary care, or housing animals in filthy conditions constituting a health hazard. Miami-Dade Animal Services and City Code Compliance jointly investigate hoarding complaints. Officers may obtain warrants to enter suspected properties. Animals found in hoarding conditions are seized by Miami-Dade Animal Services. The property owner faces animal cruelty charges and code enforcement violations for blight and sanitation. Mental health referrals may be offered through county social services. Repeat offenders may be prohibited from owning animals by court order.
Animal hoarding constitutes animal cruelty under Florida Statute 828.12, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 fine. Animals are seized and the owner bears costs of care.
Miami, FL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle animal hoarding.
See how Miami's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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