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

Unincorporated Trinity County does not have a dedicated 'hoarding' chapter, but several overlapping rules apply when too many animals are kept in unhealthy conditions. Trinity County Code Section 6.04.050 makes it unlawful to allow animals to disturb the peace with loud and unreasonable noise (a written affirmation by two unrelated neighbors with separate residences is prima facie evidence), unlawful to allow animals to trespass on others' land, and unlawful to fail to exhibit on demand any license, tag, permit, or certificate of rabies vaccination, which is often impossible to do in a hoarding situation. The most serious cases are handled under California state animal-cruelty and neglect law. California Penal Code Section 597 and related provisions make it a crime to deprive an animal of necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and Penal Code Section 597.1 authorizes peace and humane officers to seize animals that are not being properly cared for and to hold the owner responsible for the costs of care. Trinity County Animal Control, working with public health and law enforcement, can use these tools to intervene, remove animals, and pursue charges. Residents who suspect hoarding or neglect should report it to Trinity County Animal Control or law enforcement.