Utah Animal Hoarding Charged as Cruelty Under Code 76-13-202

Animal hoarding in Utah is prosecuted under Section 76-13-202, cruelty to an animal, renumbered from the former 76-9-301 effective May 7, 2025. Failing to provide "necessary food, water, care, or shelter" for animals in your custody, the hallmark of hoarding, is a class B misdemeanor if done intentionally or knowingly and a class C misdemeanor if reckless or criminally negligent. County and municipal animal control agencies and local law enforcement investigate. On conviction the court may order forfeiture of the animals, bar the defendant from keeping any animal during probation or parole, require a psychological evaluation and counseling, and place seized animals for adoption, care, or humane disposition.

Charged as a class B misdemeanor when intentional or knowing, carrying up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine; a class C misdemeanor if reckless or negligent. Courts may seize the animals and bar future ownership.