Lancaster County has no hoarding ordinance, but Pennsylvania's animal-cruelty law reaches hoarding through the neglect statute (18 Pa.C.S. §5532), which requires basic care for every animal. The Pennsylvania SPCA and humane officers investigate hoarding cases here.
Pennsylvania addresses hoarding through its consolidated cruelty statutes (18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55). Section 5532 (Neglect) makes it an offense to fail to provide each animal with sustenance, potable water, sanitary shelter, weather protection, and necessary veterinary care — the duty applies per animal, so keeping too many to care for triggers liability. Because the county has no local hoarding rule, enforcement runs through appointed humane society police officers and the regional/statewide SPCA, alongside municipal police. Courts may order forfeiture of the animals and bar future ownership. There is no fixed number that defines hoarding; the test is whether basic-care duties are met for each animal.
Neglect is a summary offense, or a third-degree misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury or imminent risk of serious injury; courts may order forfeiture and cost reimbursement.
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See how Lancaster County's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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