Ohio addresses hoarding through its animal-cruelty and neglect statutes (ORC Chapter 959), enforced locally by the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, humane society and law enforcement. Companion-animal neglect is a criminal offense; kennel numbers also trigger registration.
Ohio has no statute using the word 'hoarding,' but hoarding cases are prosecuted under ORC Chapter 959, which prohibits cruelty to and neglect of animals, including failing to provide companion animals with adequate food, water, shelter and sanitary conditions. The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, the humane society and local police investigate complaints and can seize animals kept in cruel conditions. Keeping large numbers of dogs also triggers kennel-registration duties under ORC Chapter 955. Local property-maintenance and nuisance codes may separately address unsanitary conditions caused by too many animals. Report suspected hoarding to the ARC or humane society.
Companion-animal neglect and cruelty under ORC 959 range from misdemeanors to felonies; courts may order forfeiture of the animals and bar future ownership.
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