Animal Hoarding: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do animal hoarding rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo and Clarence have similar restriction levels.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Buffalo Code Chapter 49 caps household pet numbers and authorizes the Buffalo Animal Shelter and BPD to investigate hoarding complaints, seize neglected animals, and refer cases for cruelty prosecution under New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Agriculture and Markets Law sections 353 and 353-a criminalize neglect and cruelty to animals, providing a uniform statewide basis for prosecuting animal hoarding cases.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Buffalo Ch. 49 | - |
| State cruelty law | Ag & Markets §353 | - |
| Lead agency | Buffalo Animal Shelter | - |
| Max jail | One year | - |
| Cruelty statute | - | Ag & Markets §353 |
| Felony cruelty | - | §353-a Buster's Law |
| Misdemeanor | - | Up to 1 year |
| Forfeiture | - | Mandatory on conviction |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
Can officers enter without a warrant?
Yes when life is in imminent danger under New York Agriculture and Markets Section 373; otherwise a warrant or owner consent is required.
Where do I report suspected hoarding?
Call Buffalo 311 or the Buffalo Animal Shelter directly; cases are routed to BPD and Erie County Health for joint inspection.
Clarence FAQ
Is animal hoarding specifically a crime in New York?
Hoarding is prosecuted under the general animal cruelty and neglect statutes in Agriculture and Markets Law sections 353 and 353-a, which apply uniformly throughout New York State.
Who can seize hoarded animals?
Police, peace officers, and authorized humane society agents may seize animals being treated cruelly under section 373, subject to court review and impoundment procedures.
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