Peoria, IL Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Illinois is one of a small number of states with a dedicated companion-animal hoarding statute. Section 2.10 of the Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70/2.10) at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1722 defines a 'companion animal hoarder' as a person who (a) possesses a large number of companion animals; (b) fails to provide minimum standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and veterinary care, with the failure resulting in starvation, illness, or death; (c) is in denial of the inability to provide such care; and (d) is in denial of the impact of the failure of care on the animals, the household, and human occupants. Penalties under 510 ILCS 70/16 are a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail, $2,500 fine) for a first offense and Class 4 felony (1-3 years, up to $25,000 fine) for repeat offenses. Peoria County Animal Protection Services handles welfare investigations under its intergovernmental agreement with the city, and Peoria Police assist with criminal enforcement. The Peoria Code of Ordinances at https://library.municode.com/il/peoria adds municipal nuisance citations for the unsanitary conditions and odor that often accompany hoarding situations.