Animal Hoarding & Neglect Law in Washington, DC

DC prosecutes animal hoarding under the general cruelty and neglect law, § 22-1001. Anyone with charge or custody who deprives an animal of necessary sustenance, or unnecessarily fails to provide proper food, drink, air, light, space, veterinary care, shelter, or protection from the weather, commits a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $250 fine per animal. When neglect causes serious bodily injury or death, § 22-1001(d) elevates the offense to a felony carrying up to 5 years and a $25,000 fine. On conviction a judge can order psychological counseling, forfeiture of the animals, repayment of impound and care costs, and a ban on owning animals for a set period. The Humane Rescue Alliance's humane law officers and the Metropolitan Police Department enforce it.

Misdemeanor: up to 180 days in jail and a $250 fine per animal. Felony where neglect causes serious injury or death: up to 5 years and a $25,000 fine, plus forfeiture and a possession ban.