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Oregon Animal Abuse & Neglect Laws: Can You Own Pets After a Conviction?

Oregon Animal Abuse & Neglect Laws: Can You Own Pets After a Conviction?

Quick Summary

  • • Under ORS 167.332, certain convictions trigger an “animal possession ban” that can last 5 to 15 years.
  • • The ban can apply to domestic animals (pets) and, in some cases, animals of the same genus as the “victim animal.”
  • • The ban is separate from your sentence and may last longer than probation.
  • • Oregon law provides limited ways to seek early relief from the ban, including a livestock-related process and a newer petition process effective January 1, 2025.


One of the most serious consequences after a conviction for animal abuse, animal neglect, or animal abandonment under Oregon law is a prohibition from owning or possessing domestic animals—or animals of the same genus as the neglected, abused, or abandoned animal. Depending on the conviction, that prohibition can last 5 years or 15 years after the conviction. Importantly, Oregon law also provides procedures that may allow a court to reduce or lift the prohibition early in certain situations.

What Is Oregon’s Animal Possession Ban (ORS 167.332)?

ORS 167.332 imposes a prohibition on owning or possessing certain animals after specific animal-related convictions. For simplicity, this article refers to the prohibition as an “animal ban.” The animal ban does not necessarily prohibit possession of every type of animal, but it can be broad. The animal ban is in addition to the sentence for the offense, meaning it can extend beyond a term of probation.

How Long Does the Animal Ban Last?

5-Year Animal Ban

Convictions that commonly trigger a 5-year animal ban include:

  • • Animal Abuse in the First Degree (Misdemeanor) — ORS 167.320
  • • Animal Abuse in the Second Degree — ORS 167.315
  • • Animal Neglect in the First Degree (Misdemeanor) — ORS 167.330
  • • Animal Neglect in the Second Degree (Misdemeanor) — ORS 167.325
  • • Animal Abandonment — ORS 167.340
  • • Involvement in Animal Fighting — ORS 167.355


 

15-Year Animal Ban

Convictions that commonly trigger a 15-year animal ban include:

  • • Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree — ORS 167.322
  • • Cockfighting — ORS 167.428
  • • Dogfighting — ORS 167.365
  • • Sexual Assault of an Animal — ORS 167.333
  • • Animal Abuse in the First Degree (Class C Felony) — ORS 167.320(4)
  • • Animal Neglect in the First Degree (Class C Felony) — ORS 167.330(3)
  • • Animal Neglect in the Second Degree (Class C Felony) — ORS 167.325(3)



What Animals Are You Prohibited From Owning?

The animal ban prevents the person from owning “domestic animals.” Common examples of domestic animals (pets) include cats, dogs, fish, frogs, bearded dragons, turtles, geckos, cockatiels, and parrots.

In some cases, the ban can extend beyond domestic animals. If the conviction involved a non-domestic animal, the ban may include any animal of the same genus as the “victim animal.” For example, if the conviction involved a horse, the person may be prohibited from possessing domestic animals and any animal in the equus genus (including horses, donkeys, and mules).

What Happens If You Violate the Animal Ban?

If a person possesses a domestic animal or an animal of the same genus as the “victim animal” while the animal ban is in effect, the person can be charged with Unlawful Possession of a Domestic Animal, typically a Class B misdemeanor.

Commercial Livestock Exception

Oregon law includes an exception for some commercial livestock-owning defendants. This exception is limited: it generally applies only if the animal-related offense was the person’s first offense and the offense was committed against or involved livestock. The purpose is to avoid severely punishing commercial farmers for a first offense involving livestock.

Relief From the Animal Ban (Early Removal or Modification)

There are two procedures that may allow removal of the animal ban before the end of the 5-year or 15-year period. One procedure has existed for many years and is focused on livestock-related cases. A second, newer procedure has been effective since January 1, 2025, and allows certain individuals to ask the court to lift or modify the ban if they can show they are no longer a threat to animals.

Animal Ban Removal: Livestock-Related Petition

To be eligible under the livestock-related process, the person generally must meet all of the following criteria:

  • • The animal-related conviction that triggered the ban involved only livestock;
  • • During the two years before the animal-related conviction, the person owned a commercial livestock operation;
  • • The person has not been convicted of another crime involving animals, domestic violence, or a crime with a victim under 18 years old;
  • • The animal-related conviction was based on one of the following:
  • 1. Criminal liability for the conduct of another person;
  • 2. Criminal liability of a corporation; or
  • 3. A conviction for animal neglect where the person’s conduct was not knowing or intentional.


A person must file a sworn affidavit confirming eligibility and file a motion asking the court to lift the ban. The person must prove by clear and convincing evidence (a high legal standard) that:

  • • Continued enforcement of the prohibition results in an economic hardship that cannot otherwise be mitigated;
  • • The person no longer poses any risk to animals; and
  • • The person is capable of providing and willing to provide necessary, adequate, and appropriate levels of care for all livestock that would come within the person’s custody or control if the petition is granted.


If the court grants the petition, the ban is lifted only for livestock (meaning the person still may not possess domestic animals). In addition, the person must consent to inspections by law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 5 years to monitor animal welfare. Refusing an inspection may result in contempt of court, and the prohibition can be reimposed.

Animal Ban Removal: “No Longer a Threat to Animals” Petition (Effective Jan. 1, 2025)

Effective January 1, 2025, Oregon law created a newer petition process that can allow some individuals to ask the court to lift or modify the animal ban. Eligibility generally requires that:

  • • The person has not been previously convicted of one of the offenses listed in ORS 167.332; and
  • • The conviction was not for intentional or knowing conduct (meaning the conduct was committed recklessly or with criminal negligence).


The petition must be served on or filed with the prosecutor, and the court will hold a hearing. At the hearing, the court may consider multiple factors, including:

  • • The nature of the offense;
  • • The number of animals involved in the underlying offense;
  • • The degree of violence and criminal intent involved in the underlying offense;
  • • Other criminal and relevant non-criminal behavior before and after the offense;
  • • The period of time without reoffending;
  • • Whether the person successfully completed a court-approved treatment program related to animal care and welfare; and
  • • Any other relevant factors.


The person must prove by clear and convincing evidence that they no longer pose any risk to animals under their custody or control. If the court agrees, it may: terminate the ban immediately; reduce the length of the ban; modify the ban to allow certain categories of animals; or amend the ban to allow a specific animal.

If relief is granted, the person must consent to reasonable inspections by law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure animal welfare. Refusing an inspection may lead to a contempt allegation (which can carry jail time and fines), and the prohibition can be reimposed. Additionally, if a person has had the ban modified but still violates it, the offense level can increase (for example, to a Class A misdemeanor in certain circumstances).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can you be banned from owning animals in Oregon?

Depending on the conviction, the animal ban is commonly 5 years or 15 years under ORS 167.332.

2. Does the ban apply to all animals?

Not always. The ban always applies to domestic animals (pets). It may also extend to animals of the same genus as the “victim animal” in the case.

3. Can a judge shorten the animal ban?

In some cases, yes. Oregon law provides petition procedures that may allow a court to terminate, reduce, or modify the ban early—especially under the newer process effective January 1, 2025.

4. What happens if I get a new animal during the ban?

Possessing a prohibited animal during the ban can be charged as a new crime, separate from the original case.

5. How can I know if my conviction falls into a category to shorten the animal ban?

The language of your criminal case in the Information, Complaint, or Indictment will contain the information an attorney needs to know if you meet the qualifications. These documents are available online for cases filed in county courts (circuit courts). 

Talk to an Oregon Animal Abuse / Neglect Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a charge of animal neglect, animal abuse, animal abandonment, or another animal-related offense—or if you are trying to restore your ability to own animals after a conviction—reach out to our office. We offer no-pressure, no-charge consultations for animal-related criminal cases, and we can help you understand the ban rules, potential defenses, and any options to seek early relief.

— Updated May 22, 2026, by Marcus A. Gunn

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