Md: HSUS Looking to Limit Numbers of Pets...

[RealPitBull]

I'm crossposting this. I thought maybe it could generate a discussion on limit laws. I really cannot understand the thought process of people who push these sorts of laws...

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The HSUS is about to introduce legislation in the
State of Maryland restricting the number of dogs and
cats one can own. They are currently attempting to
locate all breeders and owners of multiple dogs and
cats including rescues; they are getting their info from your local
humane societies and animal control. They called me
this morning and I basically told them where they
could go so they received no information from Cecil
County, but I do know that other county animal
controls and humane societies are very much in favor
of anti breeding, anti ownership legislation. They
are hell bent to legislate dog & cat ownership at any
cost so BEWARE, it's coming.

Permission to crosspost -

Jeanne A. Deeming
"Royale English" Setters & Whippets
ESAA NAtional Rescue Chair
Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. VP
Pointer Rescue Org. Volunteer

[OurPack]

Ditto.

[bubsy]

I believe my city has a limit law, but no one enforces it. I don't understand the logic behind the law either...I think I'm at limit now too...i think it's 4 pets, not just dogs...I've got 2 dogs and 2 cats. If I added another cat it's not like I suddenly would be too crowded, or not able to care for them. It's ridiculous, IMO.

[valliesong]

I am allowed to have 25 dogs move through here in a year. After that, I need a kennel license, which would require a zoning variance. Honestly I'm not so sure how it plays out for cats and other animals. Some local governments have developed limit laws, but the number 25 is key as far as the state goes.

I don't believe in arbitrary limit laws, but rather strict minimum standards of care. I have a neighbor with one skinny, neglected dog chained out back, and another who has close to 30 cats that receive regular veterinary care and are properly fed, cleaned, and altered. Obviously there comes a point where the number of animals will overwhelm a person, but it is not the same in every case.

[maryellen]

warwick ny near me passed a law limiting the dogs to each household to 3...

[valliesong]

Of the limit laws I am aware of, I'd be over on every single one. I have three dogs, five cats, and two guinea pigs, plus some feral cats I TNR-ed that eat on the front porch. My house does not smell (although I can't say the same for a small section of my yard), I bring the dogs in as soon as they bark, my cats aren't allowed outside, and I've never gotten a complaint from a neighbor.

Limit laws honestly don't make much sense.