San Jose pairs SJMC Title 6 pet limits and care duties with California Penal Code §597 to address hoarding. Animal Care and Services responds to welfare complaints, can seize neglected animals, and refers cruelty cases to SJPD and the District Attorney for criminal prosecution.
SJMC Title 6 sets San Jose's animal care framework, including household pet caps in section 6.04.075, sanitation duties, and rabies and licensing rules under chapter 6.06. When the count of animals or living conditions tip into neglect, San Jose Animal Care and Services investigates jointly with SJPD under California Penal Code §597, which makes failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care a misdemeanor or felony. Animals can be impounded, owners may face restitution for boarding and veterinary costs, and judges often impose orders barring future ownership for several years.
Exceeding pet caps draws administrative citations and license actions; cruelty-level hoarding can mean misdemeanor or felony charges, animal seizure with restitution for vet and boarding costs, and a court order barring future pet ownership.
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San Jose, CA
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