Nebraska's animal cruelty law applies uniformly across all cities and counties. Hoarding cases are prosecuted under the cruel neglect provisions of section 28-1009, which carries misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on harm.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. section 28-1009, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly abandoning or cruelly neglecting an animal is a Class I misdemeanor. If neglect causes serious injury, illness, or death, it becomes a Class IV felony. Cruel mistreatment is a Class I misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class IIIA felony for any subsequent offense or for torture, repeated beating, or mutilation. Felony convictions trigger a court-ordered prohibition on owning, possessing, or residing with animals for five to fifteen years. The statute applies statewide and supplements any local cruelty ordinance.
Class I misdemeanor up to one year jail and $1,000 fine; Class IV or IIIA felony for serious harm with five to fifteen year possession ban.
See how Papillion'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.