Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act Hoarding Provisions
Key Facts
- Statute
- 510 ILCS 70
- Hoarder definition
- Section 2.10
- Aggravated cruelty
- Class 4 felony
- Counseling
- Mandatory upon conviction
Summary
Illinois defines and criminalizes companion animal hoarding under the Humane Care for Animals Act, applying uniformly through state criminal code statewide.
(d) A person convicted of violating subsection (a) of this Section is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) of this Section is a Class 4 felony with every day that a violation continues constituting a separate offense. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, upon conviction for violating subsection (a) of this Section, the court may order the convicted person to undergo a psychological or psychiatric evaluation and to undergo any treatment at the convicted person's expense that the court determines to be appropriate after due consideration of the evaluation.
Full Breakdown
The Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70) defines a companion animal hoarder under Section 2.10 as a person who possesses a large number of companion animals, fails to provide minimum care, and persists despite the deteriorating condition of animals or environment. Section 3 requires owners to provide sufficient food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Aggravated cruelty and animal torture are felonies. Local prosecutors and animal control enforce these provisions statewide. Convictions may include mandatory psychological counseling, prohibition on future animal ownership, and forfeiture of all animals.
Violations & Penalties
Class A misdemeanor for violations; Class 4 felony for aggravated cruelty; forfeiture orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as animal hoarding in Illinois?
What penalties apply to convicted hoarders?
Sources
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