Butler County, OH Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- ORC 959.13 / 959.131
- Hoarding threshold
- No fixed number
- Companion animal
- Any residence pet; any dog/cat
- Neglect penalty
- First-degree misdemeanor and up
- Investigators
- Dog Warden / humane society
Summary
Ohio has no fixed 'hoarding' number, but keeping animals without adequate food, water, or shelter is a crime under ORC 959.13 and 959.131. Cases are prosecuted locally; the Butler County Dog Warden and humane society investigate.
No person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall negligently do any of the following: ... Deprive the companion animal of necessary sustenance, confine the companion animal without supplying it during the confinement with sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food and water, or impound or confine the companion animal without affording it, during the impoundment or confinement, with access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or excessive direct sunlight...
Full Breakdown
Animal hoarding is addressed through Ohio's cruelty statutes rather than a numeric cap. ORC 959.13 forbids impounding or confining an animal without sufficient food, water, and shelter, and ORC 959.131 makes it an offense for anyone who confines or is the caretaker of a companion animal to negligently deprive it of necessary sustenance. 'Companion animal' covers any animal kept in a residence and every dog or cat. Courts have convicted hoarders under these sections when dozens of animals were kept in unsanitary, crowded conditions. In Butler County, the Dog Warden, the General Health District, and Animal Friends Humane Society investigate complaints and can seek seizure of the animals.
Violations & Fines
Companion-animal neglect under ORC 959.131 is a misdemeanor of the first degree, rising to a fifth-degree felony for serious or repeat offenses, with fines, jail, and forfeiture of the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many animals count as hoarding in Ohio?
Who do I report suspected animal hoarding to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butler County
Compare Butler County to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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