DC prosecutes animal hoarding under the Animal Protection Amendment Act, allowing seizure when an owner keeps more animals than they can humanely care for, causing neglect or unsanitary conditions.
DC Code 22-1001 and 22-1004 give Humane Rescue Alliance officers and MPD authority to seize neglected animals. Hoarding is treated as cruelty when conditions cause suffering, malnutrition, or untreated disease. DOH and the Animal Care and Control contractor inspect on complaint. Owners can lose custody, face criminal charges, and be barred from owning future pets. Bond hearings under DC Code 22-1006.01 require accused hoarders to pay shelter costs while a case is pending, often forcing surrender.
Cruelty misdemeanor up to 180 days jail and 1,000 dollar fine; felony cruelty up to 5 years for serious harm; mandatory bond for boarding seized animals.
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