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Council amends pet ordinance to cap dogs and cats at six total
Summary
Councilors approved an amendment to Ordinance 85 to set a single household cap of six total dogs and cats (any combination), citing multiple resident complaints about properties with excessive animals; the change was adopted as an amendment at first reading.
Councilors amended Ordinance 85 to replace the prior focus on dogs only with a single household cap: no more than six total animals between dogs and cats. Councilor Matt Ferraro (who worked with the law department on the revision) moved the amendment to the most recent draft; the motion was seconded and the amendment passed.
Ferraro and other councilors said the revision responds to numerous resident complaints about properties with excessive animals — including cases of breeding and yards with large numbers of dogs and/or cats creating nuisance and health concerns. Ferraro said the proposed maximum is in line with guidance cited by animal‑care experts and is “more fair relative to other cities around us.”
Council members discussed keeping the ordinance at first reading to allow broader community feedback; the law department confirmed the council could amend the draft and then choose whether to move it to a second or third reading. Residents were invited to provide comments to the clerk or directly to council members before further action.
The council’s amendment was approved on voice/roll call at the meeting; the ordinance remains at first reading pending any further changes or subsequent readings.
