Upland, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

The City of Upland addresses animal hoarding indirectly rather than through a single hoarding ordinance. The most direct control is the per-household limit in Section 6.04.115 and the residential zoning code, which prohibit keeping more than three dogs and/or three cats four months of age or older, with a combined cap of six animals. Exceeding these numbers is itself a code violation, giving Animal Services a basis to intervene before conditions escalate. Section 6.04.140 prohibits keeping animals that, by habitual howling, yelping, barking, or other noise, disturb neighbors; the city's enforcement standard generally requires two written complaints, or one complaint plus video evidence of at least 30 continuous minutes of disturbance in a 24-hour period. Section 6.04.160 authorizes impounding animals declared a nuisance, and the chief animal services officer has broad powers under Sections 6.04.180 and 6.04.190. Hoarding situations that involve neglect, inadequate care, or unsanitary conditions can also be prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 597, which criminalizes cruelty and failure to provide proper food, water, and care. Upland's own Animal Services Division, working with the nonprofit Friends of Upland Animal Shelter, handles enforcement and can take in surrendered or seized animals. Residents concerned about a possible hoarding situation should report it to Upland Animal Services.