Animal Hoarding: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do animal hoarding rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Scottsdale has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations; criminal cruelty is prosecuted under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2910 as a class 1 misdemeanor or class 6 felony.
View full Scottsdale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe enforces AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty for hoarding. Tempe City Code Ch. 8 limits number of dogs/cats in residential zones; MCACC investigates complaints alongside Tempe PD.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping Limits | Scottsdale RC Ch. 4 | - |
| MCACC | (602) 506-7387 | - |
| Cruelty Law | ARS §13-2910 | - |
| Code Enforcement | (480) 312-2546 | - |
| Felony Threshold | Intentional injury (§13-2910.A) | - |
| Residential limit | - | ~5 dogs/cats typical |
| Cruelty statute | - | AZ §13-2910 |
| Forfeiture | - | §13-2910.07 boarding |
| Misdemeanor max | - | $2,500 + jail |
| Investigator | - | MCACC + Tempe PD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
How many dogs or cats can I have in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 sets keeping limits that vary by zoning district. Exceeding these can trigger civil citations. Contact Code Enforcement at (480) 312-2546 for the specific cap applicable to your address.
How do I report suspected animal hoarding in Scottsdale?
Call Maricopa County Animal Care & Control at (602) 506-7387 for animal welfare issues. For sanitation, odor, or trash problems tied to hoarding, call Scottsdale Code Enforcement at (480) 312-2546.
Tempe FAQ
How do I report suspected hoarding in Tempe?
Call Maricopa County Animal Care & Control at 602-506-7387 or Tempe PD non-emergency 480-350-8311. Both coordinate on welfare and criminal investigations.
Can hoarded animals be taken from the owner?
Yes. AZ §13-2910.07 allows forfeiture if the owner fails to post bond for boarding within 30 days of seizure. Animals then go to MCACC for adoption or rescue placement.
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