New York City has no numeric pet cap, but Health Code Title 24 §161 lets DOHMH abate filthy or dangerous animal-keeping. Severe hoarding is prosecuted as cruelty under New York Agriculture and Markets Law §353, with seizure and misdemeanor or felony charges.
Health Code §161 makes it unlawful to keep animals in conditions that endanger health, safety, or welfare; DOHMH and the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement legacy partners can inspect and abate. NYPD's Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad now leads cruelty cases. When hoarding crosses into neglect, Agriculture and Markets Law §353 criminalizes failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Animals may be impounded by Animal Care Centers of NYC under §374, owners can be charged with misdemeanors or felonies, and judges may bar future ownership and order restitution for veterinary costs.
DOHMH abatement orders, Health Code fines, and ACC impound; cruelty charges under Ag & Markets §353 carry up to one year jail or felony exposure for aggravated cruelty, plus possible bans on future animal ownership.
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