Ventura, CA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Statutory framework: (1) Penal Code §597(a) - malicious cruelty (felony, up to 3 years prison and $20,000 fine). (2) §597(b) - failure to provide proper food, water, shelter (misdemeanor or felony wobbler). (3) §597.1 - peace officer / humane officer may seize animals without warrant when life or health is endangered, with post-seizure hearing required; owner liable for impound costs. (4) §597f - law enforcement must impound abandoned starving animals. (5) §597t - confined animals (in cages, pens) must have adequate exercise, space, food, water - core hoarding charging statute. (6) §599aa - cockfighting/animal fighting provisions. Local response: Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) operates under contract for the City and has full §597.1 seizure authority. Companion-animal limit: SBMC does not impose a hard numerical cap on dogs or cats per residence; however, kennels (defined as multiple-animal commercial keeping) require a use permit under Div. 24 Zoning Regulations, and conditions that constitute a nuisance can trigger code enforcement. Dog licensing: all dogs 4+ months must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated per Cal. Health & Safety Code §121690 and County licensing rules. Mental-health intervention: prosecutors and the courts frequently combine PC §597 charges with referral under Welfare & Institutions Code §5150 mental-health hold provisions when hoarding is symptom of disorder.