The City of Sonoma does not impose a numeric cap on the number of pets per household, but animal hoarding is prosecuted under California Penal Code §597 (cruelty) and §597.1 (neglect), and locally under Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 8.06. Hoarding is a wobbler — chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony.
There is no City of Sonoma ordinance setting an arbitrary maximum number of pets, but animal hoarding behavior — accumulating animals beyond the keeper's ability to provide adequate food, water, sanitation, and veterinary care — is enforceable under multiple authorities. California Penal Code §597 prohibits maliciously or negligently maiming, mutilating, torturing, wounding, or killing a living animal, or depriving an animal of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter. PC §597.1 specifically authorizes peace officers and animal control officers to seize animals that lack adequate care. Locally, Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 (Prohibited Conduct) prohibits cruel and inhumane treatment and unsanitary keeping conditions. Sonoma County Animal Services has primary local enforcement authority for the City of Sonoma under a contract for services; the County Animal Regulation Ordinance (Chapter 5) provides additional impoundment and abatement authority.
PC §597 is a 'wobbler' — chargeable as a misdemeanor (up to 1 year county jail and/or up to $20,000 fine) or felony (16 months, 2, or 3 years state prison and/or up to $20,000 fine). PC §597.1 authorizes immediate seizure of neglected animals and recovery of impoundment costs from the owner. SMC 8.06 violations are infractions starting at $100 (SMC 1.12.010). Convicted hoarders may be barred from owning animals for up to 10 years under PC §597(g).
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