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Northglenn, Colorado, to Implement Pet Limit Ordinance
The city of Northglenn, Colorado, is set to enact a new pet ordinance that will limit the number of pets residents can keep in their households. Starting August 1st, the regulation will restrict homeowners in the Denver suburb to owning no more than four dogs, cats, or a combination thereof.
New Pet Ownership Rules in Northglenn
City officials stated that the pet limit ordinance was sanctioned by the City Council following requests from residents and after comprehensive examination and debate. The city explained that the restrictions are a response to complaints from concerned citizens regarding excessive disturbances and waste resulting from a high volume of pets in certain neighborhoods.
Applying for a Pet Exception
Residents of Northglenn who currently possess more pets than the newly allowed limit can apply for a ‘previously owned pet exception’ prior to the ordinance taking effect. By submitting an application before August 1st, residents can seek to keep their existing animals.
Required Application Details
To apply for the exception, residents must furnish details about each pet, including:
- Pet’s Name
- Age
- Sex
- Breed
- Date acquired
Enforcement of Pet Ordinance
Failure to disclose complete information or exceeding the pet limit after the deadline may result in enforcement action by the city. This may include a court order mandating pet removal from the premises of non-compliant residents.
On August 1, pet owners in Northglenn, Colorado will not be allowed to have more than four cats, dogs, or a combination of the two ‘totaling no more than four’. (Pictured: Stock image of a cat and dog)
If locals do not disclose this information and have more than the allowed number of pets in their home, the city will take ‘enforcement action,’ which includes ‘a potential court order requiring pet removal.’ (Pictured: Northglenn Mayor Meredith Leighty)
City’s Stance on Pet Limit
The city of Northglenn clarified its approach, stating, “Our objective is to collaborate with residents to ensure adherence through education and community outreach before any enforcement measures are implemented.”
The city further commented, “Pets enrich our lives with joy and companionship; however, pet ownership also entails responsibilities. By setting sensible pet limits, we aim to ensure that all Northglenn residents, both pet owners and non-pet owners, can enjoy peaceful homes and neighborhoods.”
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we put this new ordinance into practice,” the city added.
Northglenn Joins Other Cities with Pet Regulations
While Colorado has no statewide law governing the number of pets per household, several municipalities surrounding Northglenn already have similar restrictions in effect. Northglenn officials indicated that prior to this new regulation, their city was the only one in Adams County without pre-existing pet regulations.
Prior to this announcement, Northglenn was the only city in Adam County that did not have ‘long-standing pet regulations’ in place, the city said. (Pictured: Aerial image of Northglenn)
Other cities and towns across the nations have pet ordinances on dogs and cats. (Pictured: File photo of golden retriever puppy)
Resident Reactions to the Pet Ordinance
News of the pet ordinance has triggered significant reaction from residents, with many expressing strong disapproval. One resident commented online, “I guess Northglenn is slowly becoming like Russia, since soon we’ll only be able to have a certain number of pets.” Another resident questioned the extent of future regulations, asking, “What’s next? Can only [we] have one TV and one car in one household?”
Pet Limits in Other US Locations
Numerous cities and towns across the United States have established pet ordinances for dogs and cats. Although New Jersey lacks a statewide statute, certain municipalities like Rahway and Hawthorne have imposed pet limits on residents.
According to World Population Review, these New Jersey towns typically permit a maximum of three dogs or cats per household. Similarly, while North Carolina has no state-level pet ordinance, some localities restrict households to between one and three dogs or cats, based on available data.
In contrast, some states, such as California, have statewide regulations. California law allows each household to keep up to four dogs or cats, provided they are over four months old. Rhode Island permits residents to own up to three adult dogs and three adult cats per residence, according to Providence city guidelines.