How many animals trigger hoarding charges in North Dakota?

There is no specific number. Charges depend on whether the owner provides adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for each animal in their possession.

Can authorities seize animals before a conviction?

Yes. Law enforcement may seize neglected animals after obtaining a court order, with the owner liable for boarding and veterinary costs.

North Dakota Animal Hoarding (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: NDCC Chapter 36-21.2
Cruelty Penalty: Class C felony
Neglect Penalty: Class B misdemeanor
Animal Seizure: By court order
Owner Ban: Possible post-conviction

Source: North Dakota Legislative Branch

Full Breakdown

NDCC Chapter 36-21.2 makes it unlawful to overwork, torture, torment, abandon, or cruelly beat an animal. Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care constitutes neglect, which often forms the basis for hoarding prosecutions when caretakers possess more animals than they can adequately care for. The statute distinguishes overt cruelty (a class C felony for first offense involving torture) from neglect (class B misdemeanor). Law enforcement and humane officers may seize neglected animals after court order. Convicted hoarders may be barred from owning animals and ordered to pay restitution for impoundment costs.

Violations & Penalties

Cruelty: class C felony, up to 5 years prison, $10,000 fine. Neglect: class B misdemeanor, 30 days jail, $1,500 fine, plus animal forfeiture.

North Dakota Animal Cruelty and Neglect Statute

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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