Is local government justified in dictating a maximum number of household pets?

[radcen]

Is local government justified in dictating a maximum number of household pets?

Pleasant Hill City Council approves limits on household pets | Des Moines Register Staff Blogs

 

[Lethargic Aptitude]

I say because I have seen what happens when there are no ordinances limiting pets.

 

[Superfly]

This isn't anything really new. I've heard of this for years. I think they are doing to keep people from turning into crazy cat ladies with 100 cats, or people who "rescue" animals, with good intentions, but end up doing more damage to the animal than good. There used to be a show on called "Confessions: Animal Hoarding" and the laws you are talking about were made to prevent just this type of behavior.

It's hard to take care of a lot of animals, and it's not fair to the animals, either. A pet is supposed to be a member of your family. How can you spend individual time with your pets if you have like 10 dogs? You can't, really.

Plus, I think another reason they do this is for sanitary/health reasons. Too much urine and/or feces is unhealthy for people and for the pets.

 

[rathi]

I don't see justification for such a restriction. Taking care of 5 cats or dogs is hardly beyond reason, especially for say a retired couple with lots of time on their hands. The quality of the owner is much more important in determining the treatment of the animal than the number of pets and that isn't something you can legislate without doing something ridiculous like licensing.