The ASPCA does not list hollyhocks as being poisonous to dogs, cats or horses. The leaves and stems are covered with urtricating fibers which can be irritating. These are small glass-like fibres that break off in your skin when you brush against them. There is no toxin injected when this happens, it is rather like the rash that is caused by handling fiberglass insulation.

So sorry to hear of your rash. I love hollyhocks and the great childhood memories they bring out. Remember making hollyhock dolls as a kid?
And no, hollyhocks are not poisonous to animals. Maybe the people claiming they are a problem are mixing them up with delphiniums.

I love hollyhocks and have wonderful memories myself-- but never made a doll from them.

As for how to get rid of them? Dig them up... but be warned, they spread by seed so you might be digging them up for some time.

If you really don't want them, I'm sure there are plenty of folks who would take them off your hands.
In fact, if I lived closer I'd dig them up for you if I got to to keep them.

Delphiniums are toxic? What way and what quantity?

Yes, delphiniums are poisonous. All parts of the plant are. It causes burning of the mouth and throat. Upset stomach, nevousness, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Not a serious poison in small amounts, just keep small children and pets away from them.

Delphiniums are poisonous? My rabbits eat them. They love them more than almost anything else. Every year I try a new variety or a new spot and within a few weeks they are completely eaten.

Maybe they just need bigger quantities. I wonder how much it would take to make them really sick.

Thanks for all the responses, and for the confirmation that they're not toxic to animals. I think this year when I trim them back at the end of the season I'll prepare accordingly and be covered from head to toe!

I grew up with hollyhocks next to grandma's house. I wasn't crazy about them then.
we recently moved to a house with hollyhocks predominently on the south side of house. While they are pretty, they also spread all over and are a mess in the fall.
I decided to dig most of them out and have only a few to cover the meters on house. What a mistake that was. I ended up with a severe rash all over my upper torso. It started small and just grew and grew. My doctor thought I had shingles. I have been on prednisone pills and cream for almost 2 weeks and the rash still continues to be miserable, itchy and ugly. I will NEVER get close to these things again!! Anyone in my region is welcome to come get all the babies they want, as they spread everywhere.
I am sticking(pun) with my rose bushes and would rather get a rose nettle imbedded in my finger.

Thanks to everyone who commented here about getting a rash from hollyhocks. I got the worst rash I've ever had (and I've had some pretty serious reactions to poison oak/ivy) from the hollyhock plants I had to cut down. We had them all around the house when I was growing up and I had been in contact with them many times as a child so I was completely baffled as to what was causing the rash until I found this website and the experiences people shared. Although I was miserable with the rash for several days until I got medication for it, at least it was a relief to know the cause even though I couldn't find anyone else who had ever heard of hollyhocks causing that kind of allergic reaction. Even my doctor was incredulous. So thanks to those who shared and to anyone else searching to see if hollyhocks could possibly be the cause of a major full-body breakout of burning, itching hives, yes, they can. If you react as badly as I did, you'll need serious medication to get some relief so don't hesitate to call your doctor.

You might try scraping the area affected with a credit card but one direction only.