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This New England city may limit how many pets residents can own
Too many animals can lead to abuse, advocates say.
Hartford residents could soon face new limits on how many pets they can keep at home, as city leaders weigh an ordinance aimed at curbing noise, odors, and cleanliness complaints tied to houses with large numbers of animals.
The Hartford City Council is considering a proposal that would cap the total number of cats and dogs a resident may own at six.
The ordinance was introduced after Animal Control officers raised concerns about quality of life issues they say arise at properties with many animals, including excessive noise, strong odors, and unsanitary conditions.
Under the proposal, residents would not be allowed to own six dogs. Instead, pet owners would have to abide by a permitted ratio of cats to dogs:
- 6 cats and 0 dogs
- 5 cats and 1 dog
- 3 cats and 3 dogs
- 2 cats and 4 dogs
While it could potentially help curb animal neglect, advocates caution that abuse can occur regardless of how many pets someone owns.
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“It helps keep people being responsible for their pets” Zilla Cannamela of Desmond’s Army told Boston25. “The laws need to be enforced. If they’re not enforced, they’re not going to work.”
Pet limits are already in place in several Connecticut communities. Councilor John Gale, one of the councilors who proposed the ordinance, pointed to similar restrictions in other towns.
“West Hartford, for instance, has a three-dog limit. East Hartford has a five-dog limit. Simsbury has a six. Farmington has a six. Granby has a six,” Gale said.
City officials said the ordinance would not involve random inspections. Enforcement would be complaint-driven, with reports investigated by the Hartford Police Department.
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“I do not think we are prepared or anybody is thinking in terms of — this is going to be a campaign to go house to house and count their animals,” Gale said to News8.
If approved, violators could face fines of up to $100 per day after receiving written notice. In some cases, the animals could also potentially be removed.
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