Illustration by Luke Newell; Courtesy of families (Raegan and Rocco)

Should There Be a Limit on Pets?

It’s no wonder dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the United States. They can be cute, cuddly, and fun to play with. But is it possible to have too many furry friends? Officials in Northglenn, Colorado, think so. They recently passed a law that limits homes in the town 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 U.S. cities have similar laws. 

Some people think putting a limit on pets is a good idea. They say homes that are filled with too many animals can be hard to keep clean. And that 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?

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Pets are a great part of a family. My dog, Finley, is my best friend. But I can’t imagine having more than four animals. Each one would need my time and attention, so it wouldn’t be easy to take care of them all.

Plus, having a lot of pets can affect the community. Animals can be noisy, which may upset your neighbors. It can be hard to clean up after so many pets too, and messes could be left outside. No one wants to live in a stinky town! 

My family has seven cats and one dog, and they love to play together. None of them get bored or lonely. Taking care of so many pets is hard work, but I’m glad to give them a safe home. Strays often get hurt or go hungry.  

In 2023, my family rescued a mother cat and her two kittens even though we already had other pets. It makes me happy to see them enjoy their life and know that they will never be separated. 

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