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Henrico County, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Hoarding term
Not defined in code
Cruelty registry
Sec. 5-5 (since July 2024)
Accumulation limit
Kennel = 5+ (Sec. 5-1)
State cruelty law
Va. Code 3.2-6570
Penalty
Class 1 misdemeanor / felony

Summary

Henrico County Code has no ordinance using the word 'hoarding,' but Sec. 5-5 establishes a public county animal-cruelty registry for felony cruelty convictions, and Virginia Code Sec. 3.2-6570 makes deprivation of necessary food, drink, shelter or emergency veterinary care a Class 1 misdemeanor. The kennel threshold also limits accumulation.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Henrico County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

There is hereby established an animal cruelty registry to provide public access to information concerning persons who have been convicted in the county on or after July 1, 2024, of felony violations of (1) Cruelty to animals, as provided by Code of Virginia 3.2-6570; (2) Animal fighting, as provided by Code of Virginia 3.2-6571.

View official code

Full Breakdown

No Henrico provision defines 'animal hoarding,' but several rules reach it. Sec. 5-5 creates an animal-cruelty registry listing residents convicted on or after July 1, 2024 of felony cruelty, animal fighting, or maiming/killing an animal. Accumulation is checked by the Sec. 5-1 'kennel' definition (five or more canines/felines triggering licensing and zoning) and by the rabies and licensing duties for each animal. Severe neglect is prosecuted under state law: Va. Code Sec. 3.2-6570 penalizes those who ill-treat or abandon an animal or deprive it of necessary food, drink, shelter or emergency veterinary treatment, a Class 1 misdemeanor (felony on serious injury or death). Henrico Animal Protection Police may seize neglected animals.

Violations & Fines

Cruelty and neglect are prosecuted under Va. Code Sec. 3.2-6570 (Class 1 misdemeanor, felony for serious injury/death); animals may be seized. Felony convictions are published on the county cruelty registry (Sec. 5-5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Henrico County have an animal-hoarding law?
Not by that name. Severe cases are prosecuted as cruelty or neglect under Va. Code Sec. 3.2-6570, felony convictions appear on the county cruelty registry (Sec. 5-5), and the kennel definition limits accumulation.
Where do I report animal neglect in Henrico?
Contact Henrico Animal Protection Police. Neglect - depriving an animal of necessary food, drink, shelter or emergency veterinary care - is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Sec. 3.2-6570 and can lead to seizure.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

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