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Council agrees to study city pet limits after resident seeks exception for third cat
Summary
A renter asked the council about Cedar City's ordinance limiting household pets; council members asked staff to prepare options and an agency briefing on nuisance enforcement and possible ordinance amendments.
A Cedar City renter asked the council on June 11 for help after a landlord refused permission to adopt a third cat because municipal code limits the number of cats and dogs on a rental property.
Resident Phil Roche told the council he and his brother were trying to adopt a companion animal and had been told the city code permits only two cats; the landlord cited the municipal ordinance. Councilmembers, staff and the police department discussed whether the city should keep numerical limits or rely on nuisance enforcement. Darren Adams of the Cedar City Police Department described recent enforcement calls and the practical challenges of responding to perceived animal-related nuisances.
Councilmembers expressed concern that a strict numerical cap can criminalize otherwise well-cared-for animals and noted that enforcement capacity is limited. Several members asked staff to return with a presentation that explains the existing nuisance ordinance and enforcement practice and provides options for amending numerical limits or relying on nuisance criteria. The council did not change the ordinance at the meeting but directed staff to draft proposals and bring them back for further debate.
