Sedgwick County, KS Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- "Hoarding" statute
- None by that name
- Neglect covered
- Cruelty definition (Sec. 5-191)
- Seizure power
- Officer custody (Sec. 5-192)
- Overcrowding
- Nuisance rule (Sec. 5-161)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Sedgwick County has no ordinance using the word "hoarding," but hoarding conditions are reached through its cruelty and nuisance rules. Failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, exercise and care is cruelty to animals under sec. 5-191, and animal control may seize animals showing evidence of cruelty.
For purposes of this article, cruelty to animals means: ... (2) Having physical custody of any animal and failing to provide such food, potable water, protection from the elements, opportunity for exercise and other care as is needed for the health or well-being of such kind of animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 5-191 defines cruelty to animals to include "having physical custody of any animal and failing to provide such food, potable water, protection from the elements, opportunity for exercise and other care as is needed for the health or well-being of such kind of animal": the core of hoarding neglect. Sec. 5-192 authorizes an officer to take custody of an animal that shows evidence of cruelty. Overcrowded conditions also fall under sec. 5-161, which treats animals causing odors, insect or rodent infestations, or safety hazards as a maintained nuisance. Together these give animal control authority to intervene, seize animals and require abatement in unincorporated Sedgwick County.
Violations & Fines
Cruelty (including neglect through hoarding) is a chapter 5 violation; officers may seize affected animals under sec. 5-192, and courts may fix fines up to $500 and order abatement or forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sedgwick County have an animal-hoarding law?
Can the county seize neglected animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedgwick County
Compare Sedgwick County to another location·View the Kansas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.