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    Can you get in trouble in Nevada for owning too many pets?

    Perhaps, depending on the location. The typical penalty is a civil or criminal fine.

    Below are rules and punishments for exceeding dog and cat quotas in certain Nevada cities and counties:

    Nevada locality

    Pet limits, and the penalties for exceeding them
    City of Las Vegas Rules:

    • No more than 3 dogs over three months old in any one residence (LVMC 7.08.140)
    • No more than 3 cats over four months old in any one residence (LVMC 7.08.160)

    Punishment:

    • Civil infraction carrying a $150 fine (LVMC 7.44.040)
    Unincorporated Clark County (which includes the south Strip) Rules:

    • No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over four months old in any one residence (CCC 10.08.130)

    Punishment:

    • Misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to 6 months in jail (CCC 10.40.040)
    City of Henderson Rules:

    • No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over four months old in any one residence. (HMC 7.04.080)

    Punishment:

    • Misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000.00 and/or 6 months in jail (HMC 7.90.010)
    City of Mesquite Rules:

    • No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over three months old in any one location. (MCC 10-3-3)

    Punishment:

    • Misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000.00 and/or 6 months in jail (MCC 10-2-6)
    Unincorporated Washoe County Rules:

    • No more than 3 dogs and 7 cats over four months old in any one residence for more than 30 days within a 6 month period. (WCC 55.390)

    Punishment:

    • Civil infraction carrying $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation, and $400 for a third or successive violation. (WCC 55.800)
    Carson City Rules:

    • No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over 6 months old in any residence. (Carson City Code 7.13.050)

    Punishments:

    • A misdemeanor carrying from $250 – $1,000 in fines and/or up to 6 months in a jail. (Carson City Code 7.13.120)
    Nye County Rules:

    • No more than 5 dogs and 5 cats over 3 months old within the Pahrump regional planning district. (NCC 6.06.040)

    Punishment:

    • Misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to 6 months in jail (NCC 6.05.040)
    City of Ely Rules:

    • No more than 2 dogs over four months old are allowed per household in any area zoned residential and with lots of two and one-half (2.5) acres or less. (ECC 5-3B-4) (There is no mention of cats)

    Punishment:

    • Misdemeanor carrying $250.00 – $1,000 in fines (ECC 5-3B-4)

    Note that there may be exceptions to these rules, such as if the person has a breeders/fancier’s permit. Some local governments also require residents to license their pets, such as Las Vegas and Henderson. And depending on the circumstances, having too many pets may invite criminal prosecution for animal cruelty and impounding of the animals.

    For the most current information, contact your local animal control services. The Las Vegas Animal Control can be reached at 702-­229­-6444.

    Also see our blog post, 5 Animals that are Illegal as Pets in Nevada.

    About the Author

    Author Avatar

    Neil Shouse

    A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.

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