Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Animal Hoarding Prosecuted As Simple Cruelty
Key Facts
- Statute
- La. R.S. 14:102.1
- First offense
- Up to $1,000 or 6 months
- Repeat offense
- $5,000-$25,000; 1-10 years felony
- Each animal
- Separate offense
- Dedicated hoarding law
- None; charged as cruelty
Summary
Louisiana has no standalone animal-hoarding statute. Hoarders are charged under simple cruelty to animals, La. R.S. 14:102.1, for failing to provide their animals proper food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care, and each neglected animal counts as a separate offense.
...unjustifiably fails to provide it with proper food, proper drink, proper shelter, or proper veterinary care. ... For purposes of this Subsection, if more than one animal is subject to an act of cruel treatment by an offender, each act shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
A person who intentionally or with criminal negligence has custody of animals and unjustifiably fails to provide proper food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care commits simple cruelty to animals under La. R.S. 14:102.1. The statute treats each animal as a separate offense, so a hoarder holding dozens of neglected animals faces stacked charges. A first offense carries a fine up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, plus mandatory community service; a repeat offense is a felony punishable by $5,000 to $25,000 and one to ten years. Courts may also bar the offender from owning animals.
Violations & Penalties
First offense: fine up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, plus mandatory community service. Each neglected animal is a separate count; a repeat offense is a felony carrying $5,000 to $25,000 and one to ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana have a specific animal-hoarding law?
Can a hoarder be charged for each animal separately?
Can a court stop a convicted hoarder from owning animals?
Sources
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