San Antonio Animal Care Services treats hoarding as cruelty under SAMC Chapter 5 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.092. ACS removes animals from neglectful conditions, and counts above pet limits without a kennel permit trigger seizure and prosecution.
Under San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 5 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.092, keeping more animals than an owner can humanely care for constitutes cruelty when food, water, sanitation, or veterinary care are inadequate. Animal Care Services responds to hoarding complaints with mental health partners, the Bexar County District Attorney, and Adult Protective Services. SAMC also caps household pet counts at eight dogs and cats combined without a kennel or rescue permit, so large counts often trigger inspection. ACS can seize animals through a Chapter 821 Health and Safety Code civil cruelty hearing, and convicted hoarders may be barred from owning pets and required to undergo mental health evaluation.
Cruelty by hoarding is a Class A misdemeanor and can be a state jail felony for repeat offenses under TX Penal Code 42.092. ACS may seize animals, charge boarding fees, and obtain forfeiture orders restricting future pet ownership.
San Antonio, TX
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