Nebraska Statewide Rule

Nebraska Animal Cruelty and Neglect Statute Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska's animal cruelty law applies uniformly across all cities and counties. Hoarding cases are prosecuted under the cruel neglect provisions of section 28-1009, which carries misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on harm.

Key Facts

Primary statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1009
Base offense: Class I misdemeanor
Aggravated offense: Class IV or IIIA felony
Possession ban: 5 to 15 years
Jurisdiction: Applies statewide

Source: Nebraska Legislature

Full Breakdown

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. section 28-1009, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly abandoning or cruelly neglecting an animal is a Class I misdemeanor. If neglect causes serious injury, illness, or death, it becomes a Class IV felony. Cruel mistreatment is a Class I misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class IIIA felony for any subsequent offense or for torture, repeated beating, or mutilation. Felony convictions trigger a court-ordered prohibition on owning, possessing, or residing with animals for five to fifteen years. The statute applies statewide and supplements any local cruelty ordinance.

Violations & Penalties

Class I misdemeanor up to one year jail and $1,000 fine; Class IV or IIIA felony for serious harm with five to fifteen year possession ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hoarding charged separately from cruelty in Nebraska?

No. Nebraska does not have a standalone hoarding statute. Cases are prosecuted as cruel neglect or cruel mistreatment under section 28-1009 statewide.

Can a city impose lighter penalties than the state?

Cities may have parallel ordinances, but state cruelty charges under 28-1009 remain available to county prosecutors regardless of municipal rules.

Sources

Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1009

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