A city in Colorado is preparing to enforce a new ordinance that could lead to the seizure of cats and dogs from residents who own more than four pets.
Northglenn, located roughly 40 minutes outside of Denver, will begin enforcing the rule on August 4. The ordinance limits households to a total of four animals, whether that includes four dogs, four cats, or a combination of both.
The ordinance was approved by the city council “at the request of residents and after extensive research and discussion,” the city said. It followed complaints by residents about the “excessive noise and waste caused by a high number of pets in some neighborhoods.”
Residents who currently have more than four pets will be required to apply for a “previously owned pet exception” before the rule takes effect. The form must list each pet's name, age, breed, sex, and the date the animal was obtained. If residents fail to file the exemption in time, the city could pursue “enforcement action,” which includes “a potential court order requiring pet removal.”
“Our goal is to work with residents to ensure compliance through education and outreach before any enforcement action is taken,” the city announced, according to the Daily Mail. “Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they also come with responsibilities. By establishing reasonable pet limits, we aim to ensure that everyone living in Northglenn, both pet owners and non-pet owners, can enjoy their homes and neighborhoods.”
Northglenn was reportedly the only city in Adams County without long-standing pet regulations. Neighboring cities already have restrictions in place.
Similar measures have been implemented in cities across the country. Several towns in New Jersey, for instance, limit residents to three dogs or cats. California has a statewide limit of four dogs or cats per household, and the pets have to be older than four months.
