Tempe enforces AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty for hoarding. Tempe City Code Ch. 8 limits number of dogs/cats in residential zones; MCACC investigates complaints alongside Tempe PD.
Tempe City Code Ch. 8 (Animals) restricts households to typically 5 dogs/cats combined in single-family residential before kennel permit required. Hoarding — characterized by accumulation beyond capacity to care, plus neglect indicators (emaciation, untreated medical conditions, feces buildup) — is charged under AZ §13-2910. Class 1 misdemeanor per animal; elevates to class 6 felony with serious physical injury or involving 10+ animals in some cases. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control conducts welfare investigations; Tempe PD's Crimes Against Persons unit handles criminal cases. Seized animals may be surrendered under AZ §13-2910.07 forfeiture if owner cannot pay boarding within 30 days.
Misdemeanor cruelty: up to $2,500 + 6 months jail per count. Felony: up to 2 years prison + $150,000. Restitution for veterinary care ordered. Tempe code limit violations: $100 civil + permit requirement.
Tempe, AZ
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Tempe, AZ
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle animal hoarding.
See how Tempe's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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