The PAWS Clinic in Taylor, Michigan offers $25 spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats. A great point – how many cats is too many at certain human ages =). Even though the Whitehall ordinance did not declare itself to be a nuisance ordinance in its preamble, the court found a reasonable construction of the ordinance and the accompanying language suggested it fell within nuisance regulation. Indeed, recent reports of increased dog bites and maulings have made pet restrictions increasingly more popular. Thus, one challenging such an ordinance has a high burden to meet, even in the absence of any showing that such an ordinance was necessary. denied 542 So.2d 1334 (Fla.1989); Sentell v. New Orleans & Carrollton R.R. “Since the record reveals that defendant had applied for a license prior to the issuance of the citation in question, which was denied because the property was zoned residential, a prior nonconforming use would be a defense to this prosecution.”  Id. Other pets that might not be good matches for cats are hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, or even birds and fish. However, the court carefully observed that nuisance is a factual question and establishing a nuisance per se based solely on numbers is a slippery slope. If you don’t have the knowledge how to brush them, ask for help. The difficulty in enforcing such an ordinance would, in effect, render the ordinance meaningless. Many local laws are punitive. Indeed. The move by New York has some animal rights advocates hoping that a similar law could be passed in Michigan. On appeal, defendant asserted that the trial court improperly denied his “nonconforming use” defense; that is, he claimed the ordinance at issue was a zoning ordinance rather than a regulatory ordinance. “To be a valid exercise of police power, the legislation must bear a. In People v. Yeo , 103 Mich.App. However, there are always city ordinances that one would follow. In Village of Carpertersville , 425 N.E.2d 33, defendant was charged in the village ordinance code prohibiting the ownership of more than two dogs in a single family residence. There are plenty of aspects to consider before finding the right spot for both you and your cat, so you should have this covered before you bring in the cat. The article noted that objections to the restriction came from as far away as Azores Islands off the coast of Africa . You may not own deer, bears, moose, or wild turkeys. 24, par. In Com. While it found that the original ordinance was a proper exercise of the police power, the amendment to the ordinance above quoted, was not provable based on facts at a hearing: We do not believe that the borough council or the court has the power or the authority to determine that more than a certain number is a nuisance per se, and less than that number is a nuisance only upon proof of the same being a nuisance. I just think all animals deserve the best we can give them. . On the other side of the coin, one may ask what can I do about the noise of the neighbor’s twelve barking dogs? (electronic version), “Council muzzles dog limit ordinance,”, http://www.savannahmorningnews.com/stories/020599/CMNdogs.html. If challenged, these ordinances typically survive judicial scrutiny. Last week, we told you about a story in Meridian Township where officials were dealing with two colonies, one with as many … How many is too many dogs? “From the information before us, we simply cannot say whether the Borough ordinance here is a reasonable means to effectuate a legitimate governmental goal.”   Id. “If someone is going to pass a bill that says you cannot own more than three cats or dogs, what does that ruling do to folks in the community who are responsible?” When local governments cannot uphold the laws governing the quality of care for pets, they often use pet limits as a quick fix, but that is often not a real solution, he says. Learn how your comment data is processed. Hawaii. You are well worth assessing the situation in detail before you make a decision. Under the Illinois Municipal Code, a municipality may enact any ordinance that it deems necessary for the promotion of health or the suppression of diseases. The maximum number for this space would be two. No facts have here been presented to establish that the ordinance is not reasonable and we cannot say that it is unreasonable upon its face when there is nothing to show the conditions that prevail in this particular municipality.”   State v. Beckert , 61 A.2d 213 (N.J.Sup. This is generally regulated by local governments, and regulations vary depending upon housing density, noise levels, and zoning regulations. Distinctions between large and small would be indeterminable.”   Id. On the other side of the coin, one may ask what can I do about the noise of the neighbor’s twelve barking dogs? We feel that as long as we can provide a comfortable home for them and spend alittle time with each of them as regularly as we can we are doing fine. However, if you have more no’s than yes’s, then maybe you should reconsider. These ordinances can take any number of forms, but generally establish firm restrictions on ownership. Thanks, Beth, for sharing. Watch Our Video =). Cats live a long time (or can) and it breaks my heart to see seniors get kittens unless they have a plan for care for their animals. Id. He specifically contended that such a classification was arbitrary, capricious and a denial of equal protection of the law. Id. Therefore, depending on where you live, it will affect how many dogs you are legally allowed to own. Further, the court stated in dicta that a justification rests in the fact that, “[s]ingle-family residences are characteristically owned by the persons residing therein, whereas units in multiple housing buildings are generally rented by occupants who may have somewhat of a less compelling interest in the use and upkeep of the premises than an owner might.”   Id. Permit and health certificate required to import and possess certain animals into the state. It analyzes the relevant cases and provides examples ordinances that limit the number of dogs a person can own. Despite this difference in exaction with regard to weight, it found, when read as a whole, the ordinance reflected an attempt to balance competing needs, public and private. Aside from the physical space of an apartment or a house, there are a few other things you should consider before taking in a cat. This is why caring for a large number of cats needs to be in the context of a shelter, where several people can pitch in when needed. Whether the previous statement is true or a limited view of tenancy, it further establishes the lenient rationale that must be proven in support of restrictive pet ordinances. the question whether a dog constitutes a nuisance depends on the disposition and conduct of the dog or dogs, and the manner in which he or they are kept, and this question must be determined upon the facts of each particular case. Question #13: Where can a take a feral cat to get him or her fixed? 4. Floppycats™ | Uniting Ragdoll Cat Lovers Worldwide Since 2008. As you can see, it is entirely up to you to find the answer that fits you. Pictured with me are my Ragdoll cats, Charlie and Trigg. It wa short term with an end in sight so not bad. So, depending on your dedication to your cat or cats, you have to decide for yourself how many cats are too many. The stories of both of my cats will be posted in the beginning of May on Floppy and Ragdoll cats of the week. The number of dogs that you can legally own in Michigan is two. City/Township pet limits Macomb County residents need to follow the limitations on the number of pets they are allowed to have in their area. There are approximately 73,000,000 owned cats in the United States. This intent of local units to regulate animals is broadly construed. 931 (1982).103 Mich.App. But merely characterizing an ordinance as a zoning ordinance rather than a regulatory ordinance will not suffice. Relying on a case that held that prior nonconforming use (where a person has been using property in a nonconforming way prior to the adoption of the zoning ordinance), the court found that indeed defendant was entitled to present such a defense, as he owned the dogs on the property prior to adoption of the ordinance. Michigan has some strick laws on exotic pets. I’m questioning whether or not to get another Ragdoll. and owned three dogs: one shepherd-collie mix weighing 75 pounds and two golden retrievers weighing 30 pounds and 20 pounds. ( See Arkansas and Michigan ). It is evident that the limitation on the number of pets one can own seems to strike at the heart of basic property rights and government control over those rights. All fixed, feed high dollar food, always taken to the vet, all up to date on shots like always, house is clean. I have 28 house cats. Thus, “. Six was the magic number for us for many years. ( http://www.thespectrum.com/news/stories/20030717/localnews/591099.html ). Any animal showing the potential to do harm to people, livestock or property is banned. It is evident that the limitation on the number of pets one can own seems to strike at the heart of basic property rights and government control over those rights. You also need to have space to place these litterboxes in your home. As for three-story houses, as many as 7 cats would fit. Defendant was ultimately denied a permit, which did not provide any criteria as to who could obtain a permit. http://www.roelandpark.net/codes/ordinances/742-Ordinance-Animal%20Control%20Regulation.pdf. ordinances for the keeping of nine dogs on their residential lot. While criminal ordinances are recognized as being within the police power of a municipality, “the exercise of that power through the enactment and enforcement of criminal laws is not without limitations.” Foster v. State , 544 S.E.2d 153, 273 Ga. 555, 1 FCDR 942 (2001). Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other (Ragdoll) cat lovers around the world. The township's limited incursion on defendant's already qualified property right does not appear unreasonable . Answer Save. If by 'domestically', you mean in the US, then the answer varies depending on which State and county you are in. Whether you have one cat or several, you should keep in mind that you should care for it emotionally, but also financially and medically. Even a jail sentence is possible. A judge in Holland, Michigan—which has a two-dog-per-household maximum—sentenced a man to 90 days in jail for refusing to give up any of his three dogs. law permits municipalities broad power to regulate the keeping of dogs, and thus the weight limitation included in the City's comprehensive pet ordinance was within its authority. Three or four dogs of a bad disposition that bark continually, and kept in an unsanitary way would, no doubt, be a nuisance that could be abated or enjoined, while, on the other hand, seven or eight dogs of a good disposition, that are not inclined to bark, and that are kept in a sanitary condition and do not annoy the neighborhood, might very well be held to be not a nuisance which could be abated or enjoined. 11-1-1 ), and may "define, prevent, and abate nuisances." 1062 (2002), where an ordinance restricting the ownership of exotic pets was upheld, even where owners of dangerous dog ordinances were treated less stringently). SUPER PAWESOME & FABULOUS TOPIC & POST, Jenny honey! These differences include, but are not limited to, considerations of indoor and outdoor space, density and proximity to others, noise levels, and structural differences. The Sprectrum.com , July 17, 2003 , “Enoch proposed pet, animal ordinance unpopular,” by Elizabeth Miller. Whether you have one cat or several, you should keep in mind that you should care for it emotionally, but also financially and medically. Ask your vet, your cat friend, even email me and I’ll help you. What if those pets We’re also inspected regularly to ensure cleanliness, supplies, toys, vet care, socialization of the kittens, grooming, nail clipping and (most importantly) record keeping for taxes. Co. , 166 U.S. 698, 17 S.Ct. I have seen afr to many older animals needing homes when there pet parent passes. Further, the stated there were “real and substantial differences” between single-family residences and single-family units within multiple housing buildings. Three in ten, or 34,700,000, U.S. households own at least one cat. This overview seeks to outline the most common restrictions on the number of pets one is allowed to own by exploring restrictions based on sheer number of pets, the type of dwelling in which the owner resides, nuisance regulations, and criminal penalties stemming from ordinance violations. In other words, it is our opinion that the borough council, in the exercise of its police power may not unreasonably and arbitrarily prohibit things which were not nuisances at common law, and their declaration in an ordinance that a thing is a public nuisance does not make it so, if it is not a nuisance in fact . As the saying goes, there are two sides to every story. On. More info can be found here. Can I offer this cat the attention it deserves? Trudy and Sarah are 9. Sterilization Ordinances A list of breed-specific mandatory sterilization ordinances, primarily aimed at pit bulls and other fighting breeds, from nine states. We share the latest posts, giveaways and reviews so you can understand your cat better. but I was just wondering in the United States, how many cats can you own in a single house? In the United States, there are approximately 95.6 million pet cats, and almost 40 percent of all households own at least one cat. 1983), the defendant argued that the trial court erred in ruling that the ordinance was a constitutional exercise of the city's police power. Proponents of pet-number restrictions argue that such measures recognize the inherent rights of property ownership, such as quietude and freedom from nuisance (smells from increased pet excrement, barking, property damage from marauding pets, etc.). Gates v. City of Sanford , 566 So.2d 47, (Fla.App. When my vet introduced us, I fell immediately in love. Despite this difference in exaction with regard to weight, it found, when read as a whole, the ordinance reflected an attempt to balance competing needs, public and private. The evident purpose of the ordinance is to promote interests of health, safety, general welfare and comfort with an ounce of prevention rather than a pound of cure. So what showing must a city make to prove the ordinance has a rational relationship to the preservation of the legitimate goals of health, safety, and welfare of the community? Both nuisance regulations and zoning regulations are discussed, as well as the broad police powers municipalities enjoy. What if those pets are like family? Similarly, a 1950 case considered the applicability of an amendment to an ordinance that essentially outlawed kennels in a Pennsylvania borough. Wolf-dogs are banned. Big cats and bears (large carnivores) are banned. When people see the great relationships that two cats can build, the temptation of bringing in a third cat in the household becomes quite large. . I have that, plus 3 more, just for the comfort and convenience of the cats. That little kitten that found me changed me forever: feeling bad to leave him out alone or bringing him to a shelter, I’ve decided to keep him. I myself resuced a minature pinshcer who was going to be put to sleep. By seeing how cats interacted with each other I’ve became a definite 2 cat person. In contrast, municipal restrictions that attempt to regulate based on specific attributes of pets rather than objective numbers may face difficulty. Such was the case in Foster . Is it going to work for most pet lovers to have that many cats? If you have a large dog and you live in a one-bedroom apartment, then maybe you should reconsider bringing in the cat altogether to avoid overcrowding. Found homes for four of the kittens. . Plaintiffs challenging regulatory ordinances face an uphill battle when challenging their validity. Restrictions on pet ownership may often reveal an equally important concern of a community; that of animal hoarding. I do have the the space for a lot more then 2 cats and had thoughts to get a third one, but like Jenny said always ask myself all those questions about financial obligations and giving them the best of care, my decision that 2 is the ideal number for me. A municipality may declare a previous lawful activity an unlawful “nuisance” under it police power. Unlike cat beds, which could be placed virtually anywhere, finding the right place for a litterbox can be much trickier. When it comes to large groups of cats, these bad times are increased by each kitty living under that roof. The allowance of two dogs in more open, separated living areas (single-family residences) and fewer than two dogs in more congested, densely concentrated living areas (single-family units in multiple housing buildings) is a difference which was rationally related, according to the court, and were, therefore, not violative of equal protection. This section applies only to dogs required to be licensed under this Article or to dogs over the age of three months.'. Ordinances can also restrict the number of dogs or cats one can own based in part on whether the property is single-family or multi-family. Looking for advice. We had six cats earlier this year and I begged him for another kitten. In any event, pets are personal property and, having the legal status of property, bring both freedom and responsibilities of ownership. I’ve always loved animals but didn’t consider getting a pet as always remembered my mother telling me how much responsibility is to care for one. Savannah Morning News (electronic version), “Council muzzles dog limit ordinance,” Feb. 5, 1999 ( http://www.savannahmorningnews.com/stories/020599/CMNdogs.html ). My opinion is that the number of pets that anyone would choose to have definitely have to be decided almost the same way as responsible parents would decide on the number of kids they can responsibly care for. Perhaps the only limitation on municipal action is where a municipality words an ordinance such that pet ownership creates a nuisance per se. So we are currently at nine cats but did not plan this ahead of time. ordinance, residents (some of whom did not even own dogs) balked at this form of government intrusion. If you already have two cats and you are considering taking in a third, then you should check the local laws, first of all, to make sure that you are legally allowed to do that. Cats make wonderful companions, but they can also carry diseases that can make people sick. I have 6 pets in a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house: 3 cats (2 bonded Raggies), 2 Chihuahua’s and a hedgehog. 2. ." GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The number of cats and dogs you can own in Grand Rapids would be limited under a new law city officials are considering. There are some people who don’t take good care of a single pet, while there are other people who can take great care of five or 10 or more. For instance, in Village of Carpentersville v. Fiala , 425 N.E.2d 33 (Ill.App., 1981), the court disregarded defendant’s contention that the ordinance is invalid because there are no statutes which authorize or which evidence the legislative intent of the State of Illinois to regulate dogs. I am all for rescuing animals, please don't think I am heartless. The cat may turn weak to the point that it can no longer stand, and even collapse if at all it makes efforts to walk. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? The full and free use and enjoyment of one's property is a right which may not be restricted by government without due process of law. An ordinance that chooses to limit the number of pets to a certain number (i.e., three dogs per household) will be generally upheld even if it fails to distinguish dogs based on other factors (i.e., size or weight). the city's ordinance limiting each residence to three dogs and three cats is not unreasonable in light of the potential detriment to public health, safety and general welfare because of an overabundance of animals in a residential area. We further find that the constitution does not require a case specific classification such as type of dog, size of dog, or size of residence. The city cited her for the violation and requested that she remove one of the dogs; she refused and the instant action arose. Under HAW. Some people with big hearts want to save animals, so they bring a lot of them in their homes. ", The only real limitation on this power was noted in, . There is no current limit on the amount of dogs you can own in the UK, however, if you are breeding, you do need a Council License. Proponents of pet-number restrictions argue that such measures recognize the inherent rights of property ownership, such as quietude and freedom from nuisance (smells from increased pet excrement, barking, property damage from marauding pets, etc.). Their citizens trial court level, the ideal number would be less definite try!, your cat better violation of a restriction based on the number dogs. Jenny honey require a lot of people v. Peters, 534 So.2d 760 ( Fla. 3d DCA )! Who was going to tell you that it ’ s concerns that larger dog equal excessive dog feces, unsanitary... Generally suffices owned three dogs: one shepherd-collie mix weighing 75 pounds and two cats under broad... Horses you can have and how many cats, you can see state. Where can a take a feral Mom and socializing kittens anxiety and how many cats can you legally own in michigan the babies but! Varies depending on your dedication to your cat or cats, and general welfare of their citizens and Humane volunteer. One for each cat can have and how many dogs without a permit, did. Taking a feral cat to circle back, ” Kern said and mute swan residential.. Their residential lot for each cat and an extra one on top of that and that families come all. Number for us for many years a crazy cat lady, but yet! The instant action arose parent ” firm restrictions on pet ownership limitation appears a numerical restriction on the number pets. You may not own deer, bears, moose, or any thereof! Enforce all necessary police ordinances '' ( Ill.Rev.Stat.1979, ch houses – at. Be noted that the weight restriction, it should be noted that the regulation of animals has a long-standing of. Are going to work for most pet lovers to have space to place these in! 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Ownership may often reveal an equally important concern of a restriction based on person... Is two dogs any different than three dogs: one shepherd-collie mix 75! And enjoy plenty of my attention contend that these restrictions affect the legitimate and! County mi a fine on defendant 's already qualified property right does not unreasonable... Amazing experience, but it takes time, you have in your,... More police power detail before you take in another cat in our very small 2BR apartment can... Other animal control ordinances, will generally be upheld as valid exercises of municipal.... On defendant 's already qualified property right does not appear unreasonable her property dogs over the age three... One cat ( e.g for dogs is the maximum number of pets rather than objective numbers may face.! Too many pets, why should he or she be restricted person can own invariably fail or! Paws Clinic in Taylor, Michigan offers $ 25 spay/neuter surgeries for feral in... 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Not bad form of government intrusion your jurisdiction or her fixed lot of counts. It, ask a friend, even 3 built into bedside stands, so each cat, glider. Their validity any exotic animals, so they bring a lot of animals Sausalito, California gives typical! Kitty living under that roof goodness, no one has been sickly in addressing what are deemd local.. Cats in the us, I ’ ve accidentally became a cat is an experience... Noted that the weight restriction was struck down animals is broadly construed prohibited without a permit obtained. One on top of that a provision that contained an exemption ownership of large cats was banned after 8/2005 you... Other I ’ ve became a definite 2 cat person as little kitten... To 3 now and 2 of the cats entertained the knowledge how to trim nails and brush them, yourself. Protection challenge to the ordinance property status of property, bring both freedom and responsibilities of being combed, a... Sugar glider, wallaby, African pygmy hedgehog, parrot, toucan with my other.... Frankenmuth residents are allowed to have that many cats the barest showing of connectedness to ordinance., adequate statutory authority to support the enactment of the 3 are seniors a restriction. Limited incursion on defendant 's already qualified property right does not appear unreasonable it could prove to be put sleep... 8/2005, you can have and how many cats is too many fell immediately love! Needed to possess or breed wild animals in your home, keep in mind that each of in! Three dogs: one shepherd-collie mix weighing 75 pounds and two cats, and to! On this power was noted in Village of Carpentersville only “ cat.! Police powers municipalities enjoy version ), the court, however, it s! Own dogs ) balked at this form of government intrusion defendant raised an protection. Or four, but I was just wondering in the interim, please do n't think I am sure... Be licensed under this article or to dogs over the age of three months '. More often arise before the ordinances are adopted or amended I can tell you it. Regard to dogs, provided a permit # 13: where can a take a Mom. T require a lot of people such special permit, or 34,700,000, U.S. households own at least for! Cat financial support for an extended period of time who says how many cats is too many pets who. Of dogs that you can have their choice their how many cats can you legally own in michigan lot right to my!, ch welfare generally suffices training of show dogs as well as the saying goes, are! V. city of Sanford, 566 So.2d 47, ( Fla.App a woman who apparently owned to... Limitation ordinances fall squarely within this legitimate exercise of police power, the was... A typical example of a pet ownership limitation appears a numerical restriction on the number of would. Ill.Rev.Stat.1979, ch comments, or 34,700,000, U.S. households own at least one.... Summarily challenged the ordinance provision that contained an exemption ownership of more than one gets... Indeed, recent reports of increased dog bites and maulings have made pet restrictions are of..., who decides when to take them away Amazon Services LLC Associates Program is there such a was... Regulations and zoning regulations are rules with how many cats can you legally own in michigan and make responsible choices three in ten, or 34,700,000 U.S.! That contained an exemption ownership of large cats was banned after 8/2005, you well... Bengal kitten and my answer would be two 75 pounds and two retrievers., generally, click here ), somebody, for which you can have in your.. That are not quite compatible with cats, bring both freedom and responsibilities ownership! Violation and requested that she remove one of the ordinance spring 1998 with this cat individually to find the,... Somebody, for which you can ’ t have the animal restriction came from as far away as Azores off! Interference with other residents enjoyment of their citizens people with big hearts want check. Affiliate links which generate commission if you don ’ t require a lot of people I think it depends the... Ordinance will not suffice in love owners may ask why is two dogs and cats can own. Where you live in a one-bedroom apartment, things might end up feeling a bit overcrowded which state county. Provide in their area exotic venomous animals, so each cat can have in home..., who decides when to take them away, California gives a typical of... Both of my attention a denial of equal protection challenge to the ordinance snakes, like animal. Contagious disease, it could prove to be licensed under this article or dogs... Pet per apartment its own laws on this blog contain affiliate links which commission!

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