Solano County, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

While Solano County Code Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) does not use the word 'hoarding,' several provisions reach hoarding-type situations in unincorporated areas. The 'animal nuisance' definition in section 4-11 expressly includes causing fouling of the air by accumulated fecal waste or urine, causing unsanitary conditions, and 'causing offense or danger to public health, safety, or welfare by virtue of the number or types of animals maintained' - directly targeting too many animals in poor conditions. Section 4-18 requires the owner of any animal, wild or domestic, to provide proper and adequate food, water, shelter, and qualified medical care at a level that ensures the animal's safety, good health, and well-being, and section 4-17 requires premises where animals are kept to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Article IV's definitions (section 4-50) define an 'abused animal' as one that is mistreated, deprived of water, food, or shelter, kept under unsanitary conditions, or abandoned. Article V (sections 4-70 through 4-76) lets the County abate animal nuisances after a complaint and hearing, including impoundment and, in severe cases, destruction of the nuisance animal. Section 4-51 authorizes inspections - including, where there is probable cause that the keeping of animals is so dangerous as to require immediate action, entry to safeguard the animals or public health. These tools, combined with California Penal Code animal-cruelty law, give Animal Control authority to intervene in hoarding and severe neglect cases.