Animal hoarding in San Diego is addressed through the municipal code animal keeping limits and San Diego Humane Society enforcement. The Humane Society serves as the city's animal services provider.
San Diego's municipal code limits animals per household. The San Diego Humane Society (contracted for animal services) investigates welfare complaints at (619) 299-7012. Criminal cruelty under CA PC 597. Multi-agency responses may involve code enforcement and environmental health. Animal hoarding cases in San Diego typically come to light through welfare checks, neighbor complaints, or landlord concerns. San Diego Animal Services coordinates with mental-health professionals and code enforcement since hoarding is recognized as a mental-health disorder under the DSM-5. Repeat cases may trigger court-ordered inspections, limits on future pet ownership, and mandatory counseling. Report suspected hoarding to Get It Done app / 311 at (619) 527-7500 — do not confront the resident directly, as intervention requires trained specialists.
Exceeding limits: code fines. Cruelty: PC 597 up to $20,000. Nuisance: abatement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle animal hoarding.
See how San Diego's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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