Tustin, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Tustin Municipal Code does not use the phrase "animal hoarding," but the conditions that define hoarding - too many animals and unsanitary, harmful conditions - are reached through several provisions. Section 4221(a)(1) caps a parcel at three dogs and three common house cats (or any combination), and Sec. 4221(a)(2) caps birds, fowl, rodents and rabbits at ten combined. Exceeding the dog or cat limit pushes the property into the adopted "kennel" definition (four or more dogs or cats over four months, TCC Sec. 4206), which requires a permit through OC Animal Care under TCC Sec. 4207; an unpermitted accumulation of animals is therefore already a code violation. Section 4224 independently bars keeping animals in a way that disturbs the neighborhood's peace, breeds flies, creates obnoxious odors, or becomes a nuisance or health hazard - the conditions typical of hoarding situations. Animals must also be kept in clean, sanitary enclosures (TCC Sec. 4221(b)(2)). Severe cases involving neglect or cruelty are handled under California Penal Code Section 597 (animal cruelty), enforced by OC Animal Care officers and law enforcement. Residents concerned about a possible hoarding situation should report it to OC Animal Care, which provides Tustin's animal control under TCC Sec. 4201, or to the City's code enforcement.