Santa Maria, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

We found no separate Santa Barbara County ordinance using the term "animal hoarding." In practice, hoarding situations in unincorporated areas are handled through a combination of County Code Chapter 7 and California law. Chapter 7 gives Animal Services authority to abate animal nuisances and to seize and impound animals, including dogs that pose an immediate threat, and the zoning code's three-dog and kennel limits (Section 35.42.060 and the Chapter 7 kennel definition) can be invoked where someone keeps an excessive number of animals. The principal tool is state law: California Penal Code Section 597 makes it a crime — chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony — to deprive an animal of necessary food, water, shelter, or care, or to subject it to needless suffering, which squarely covers hoarding conditions. Penal Code Section 597.1 specifically addresses failure to provide proper care and authorizes officers to seize neglected animals; when an officer has reason to believe an animal is in immediate danger it can be seized on the spot. A conviction can carry fines, jail or prison, mandatory restitution for impoundment costs, animal forfeiture, and a multi-year ban on owning animals. Santa Barbara County Animal Services investigates cruelty and neglect complaints in unincorporated areas and works with the District Attorney on prosecutions.