Shasta County, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Unincorporated Shasta County does not have a dedicated 'animal hoarding' ordinance, but several County Code provisions and state law together address hoarding situations. The dog-number limit in Section 6.04.080(A) caps a person at six dogs over four months old per property without a permit, which directly constrains uncontrolled accumulation of dogs; keeping more without a hobbyist, ranch, sanctuary, or commercial permit is unlawful. Section 6.04.050(I) makes it unlawful to own or keep any animal on premises that are not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition - a core hoarding issue - and 6.04.050(H) makes it unlawful to possess an animal that is seriously injured or afflicted with mange, ringworm, distemper, or other disease without providing adequate veterinary-appropriate treatment. Section 6.04.050(C) addresses the noise that often accompanies large animal accumulations. Violations are declared public nuisances under 6.04.100(D) and are punishable under County Code Chapter 108; the chapter is a strict-liability regulatory provision (6.04.100(C)) that does not require proof of intent. Layered on top is California Penal Code 597, the state animal-cruelty statute, which criminalizes depriving animals in one's custody of necessary food, water, shelter, or care - the conduct typical of hoarding - and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Permits issued under 6.04.080 can be revoked if the holder violates code or care conditions, giving the Animal Regulation Unit a tool to shut down a neglectful operation. Animal regulation officers and humane officers enforce these provisions and may impound animals.