Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law Covers Hoarding Cases

Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 5532-5536, Libre's Law of 2017) defines neglect, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty applying statewide. Hoarding cases typically involve charges of neglect (Sec. 5532) when owners fail to provide necessary sustenance, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Aggravated cruelty (Sec. 5534) is a third-degree felony. Courts can order forfeiture of all animals, ban future ownership, and require psychological evaluation. The statewide framework preempts inconsistent local rules though municipalities may add humane officer enforcement.

Neglect is a summary offense; cruelty is a second-degree misdemeanor; aggravated cruelty is a third-degree felony with up to 7 years prison and $15,000 fines.