Dogs and cats can be cute, cuddly, and trusted companions, so it’s no wonder they’re the most popular pets in the United States. But is it possible to have too many furry friends? Lawmakers in Northglenn, Colorado, think so. They recently passed a law that limits homes in the city to a combined total of four dogs and cats. It went into effect on August 1. (Residents who already had more than four pets were allowed to apply for an exception.) Several other cities around the U.S. have similar laws.
Officials in Northglenn say residents had complained about noisy dogs and all the waste in neighbors’ backyards. People who support putting limits on pets say homes with too many animals can be hard to keep clean, which can lead to the spread of diseases.
But others say people should be allowed to have as many dogs and cats as they want. These people argue that as long as the animals are properly cared for and happy, what’s the harm in having more than four?