how many cats can you legally own in michigan

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. . "Next they are going to tell you how many horses you can have and how many kids." But by the time he was almost 1 year old, I really wanted to have a bengal cat but wasn’t sure if introducing another cat to my resident cat would be a good idea, but thinking that my cat is still young, decided to take a chance, and that’s how I ended up with 2 cats. . “If the City had simply limited households to two large dogs and two small ones, the ordinance would lack the requirement of definiteness. Except as provided in Section 6.04.114, it is unlawful for any person to keep or harbor more than three dogs which are over the age of four months on any lot, premises, dwelling, building, structure, boat or living accommodation. “Empirical evidence, of course, is not required to sustain an ordinance.”   Id. In essence, there must be some rational relationship between the ends articulated under the ordinance and the operation of the ordinance. 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. 421, 302 N.W.2d 883, the court observed that a restriction on dog ownership to only two dogs was supported by the city’s claim that such a restriction protected the potential detriment that could result from an “overabundance” of dogs in residential areas. I’m questioning whether or not to get another Ragdoll. 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. on June 17, 2016 6:58 AM We all love our pets, but often that love doesn't extend to other people's pets or strays; especially if they're straying onto our property and leaving a little something behind. Id. Guidelines for One, Two, and Three Story Houses, laws that address the maximum number of animals. On this planet, extremely rarely a local authority discusses and perhaps creates a law which limits the number of cats that you can own. Other forbidden animals include lion, cheetah, wolf, monkeys, camel, alligator, monk parakeet, and mute swan. Pet limitation ordinances fall squarely within this legitimate exercise of police power. Before you take in a pet, you have to be able to be there for it not only for the good times but also for the bad. v. Creighton , 639 A.2d 1296 (Pa.Cmwlth.,1994), a resident of the Borough of Carnegie challenged an ordinance limiting the number of cats and/or dogs which a person could keep within the Borough to a total of five (respondent had approximately 25 cats whom she testified were former “mousers” strays from area plants that shut down). . 1062 (2002), where an ordinance restricting the ownership of exotic pets was upheld, even where owners of dangerous dog ordinances were treated less stringently). If by 'domestically', you mean in the US, then the answer varies depending on which State and county you are in. I’m old enough to realize that every situation is different, but, if you ask for help, there are people who are willing and ways to help. 418, 302 N.W.2d 883 (1981), lv. It was almost instant mutual love. 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. I dread that. I myself resuced a minature pinshcer who was going to be put to sleep. Many local laws are punitive. Similarly, a 1950 case considered the applicability of an amendment to an ordinance that essentially outlawed kennels in a Pennsylvania borough. Is it going to work for most pet lovers to have that many cats? In contrast, municipal restrictions that attempt to regulate based on specific attributes of pets rather than objective numbers may face difficulty. Even a jail sentence is possible. . © 2008 - 2021 Floppycats.com All Rights Reserved. The city cited her for the violation and requested that she remove one of the dogs; she refused and the instant action arose. Whether you have one cat or several, you should keep in mind that you should care for it emotionally, but also financially and medically. 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? In an article on a proposed two-dog limitation change to an existing Enoch , Utah ordinance, residents (some of whom did not even own dogs) balked at this form of government intrusion. . The court found that Schuler failed to offer evidence that regulating the number of dogs per household was unrelated to the public welfare, as controlling the problems of dog noise and odor affected the health and general welfare of the community. I truly think another consideration is your own age. I have also for the most part had 5 cats in residence. Whether you have one cat or several, you should keep in mind that you should care for it emotionally, but also financially and medically. I think nine is probably our limit. . . Rather, the trend has been to give communities wide latitude in addressing what are deemd local issues. Such was the case in Foster . Moreover, preventative measures for large groups of cats are difficult to enforce. And, what about issues o f breeding and offspring – who decides which animals stay and which may get forfeited to animal pounds where they face possible euthanasia? The ordinance was enacted under the powers that permit Boroughs to “(5) [t]o prohibit and remove any nuisance, including but not limited to accumulations of garbage and rubbish . Cats have brought me so much happiness throughout my life. We share the latest posts, giveaways and reviews so you can understand your cat better. If not, then maybe you should wait until you do. ordinances for the keeping of nine dogs on their residential lot. . 421, 302 N.W.2d 883, the court observed that a restriction on dog ownership to only two dogs was supported by the city’s claim that such a restriction protected the. Other pets that might not be good matches for cats are hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, or even birds and fish. As noted in the previous discussion on municipal police powers, court defer to any legislative language that evinces an intent to give municipalities authority to regulate animals. Other exotics that fall outside of these categories are subject to physical exams by vets, Cats make amazing pets because they are quite independent and they don’t require a lot of your time on a daily basis. However, the court went on to analyze the law’s validity under the broad power to regulate the public interest. One man quoted for the article stated: "This is just the beginning," said Joe Marshall, an Enoch resident. 4. Once a city adopts such an ordinance, the prior lawful use becomes prohibited and may not be continued “under the guise of nonconforming use.”   Id. person is deemed to own too many pets, who decides when to take them away? Courts have noted that the regulation of animals has a long-standing history of constitutionality. Great information! Of course, there’s always exceptions. 74 Pa. D. & C. 539 (February sessions, 1950) (. Can I Legally Kill a Cat on My Property? Tell us all about it in the comments section below. 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). Distinctions between large and small would be indeterminable.”   Id. Further, while the court noted those difficulties with imposing a weight restriction, it also observed that general distinction would be less definite. Moreover, there are a lot of animals that are not quite compatible with cats. Therefore, depending on where you live, it will affect how many dogs you are legally allowed to own. ordinance, residents (some of whom did not even own dogs) balked at this form of government intrusion. “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. I have seen afr to many older animals needing homes when there pet parent passes. Id. We had six cats earlier this year and I begged him for another kitten. Some contend that these restrictions affect the legitimate breeding and training of show dogs as well as dog rescue facilities. ), appellant and her son were convicted under a number of City of Whitehall ordinances for the keeping of nine dogs on their residential lot. 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. The number of dogs that you can legally own in Michigan is two. For community cats, the inclusion or omission of just a few words in these laws can be the difference between life and death. For a three-bedroom apartment, the ideal number of cats would be three and the maximum number of cats would be four. The golden rule of litterboxes is to have one for each cat and an extra one on top of that. Keeping more than one bear, large cat (e.g. Thanks for a great article! Kept one kitten and mother cat. Enter your details below to get it. (Ill.Rev.Stat.1979, ch. Both nuisance regulations and zoning regulations are discussed, as well as the broad police powers municipalities enjoy. A review of the relevant caselaw reveals that the only area an owner may strike at a pet limitation ordinance is where the ordinance is couched in nuisance terms. Considering the bedroom guidelines, that leaves you with two cats, three at the most. 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. As for three-story houses, as many as 7 cats would fit. Plaintiffs challenging regulatory ordinances face an uphill battle when challenging their validity. How many cats do you have? Can I offer this cat financial support for an extended period of time? I am the food and litter person while my husband is the one who plays with them. A simple statement that such an ordinance advances the goals of health, safety, and welfare generally suffices. What if those pets Who says how many cats you are allowed to keep? (For more police power and local laws affecting dogs, generally, click here ). Is it legal to shoot or trap feral cats in Michigan? 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. . . 24, par. You'll have to check with your city or county regulations...the number of animals per household isn't a state regulation. All you have to do is be honest with yourself and make responsible choices. Grab the Floppycats FREE Guide: "Top 10 Pawesome Cat Products" that I know your cat will love. However, it’s legal to own venomous snakes, like rattlesnakes and copperheads. Defendant was ultimately denied a permit, which did not provide any criteria as to who could obtain a permit. How many cats can you have legally? For the cat to have sufficient space in your home, one cat might be enough if you live in a one-bedroom apartment. Perhaps the only limitation on municipal action is where a municipality words an ordinance such that pet ownership creates a nuisance per se. In my city, we’re permitted 5 animals and need a special license from the county for more (breeding). , the plaintiff moved into the residence adjoining the property of defendant, and shortly thereafter, complained to the borough council about the dogs kept and maintained by defendant. Even with the proper financial means, it can be overwhelming to have to take a large number of cats to the vet on a daily basis. It depends on your emotional and financial availability. If nothing else, this case seems to underscore the deference courts give to municipal regulation. We don’t know what the future holds and would love a Raggie kitten for both the 2 y/o and the oldest Ragdoll as he’s so maternal and loves the kittens we foster. In People v. Yeo , 103 Mich.App. A municipality may also "pass and enforce all necessary police ordinances" (Ill.Rev.Stat.1979, ch. “ When dealing with municipal ordinances, the municipalities are presumed to be familiar with local conditions and know the needs of the community and, therefore, a court will not substitute its judgment for legislative discretion absent a clear and palpable abuse of power.”   Zageris v. Whitehall , 594 N.E.2d 129, (Ohio App. There are more cases when dogs and cats do not get along than cases when they do, so make sure you have a backup plan for the cat or the dog, in case they can’t live together. So, think things through in terms of emotional, financial, and spatial resources before you bring in a new cat into your home. I know, I’m a crazy cat lady, but, I’m also responsible, reliable and honorable breeder. After investigation, the health officer of the borough concluded that the kennels themselves did not constitute a nuisance under the existing ordinance (which addressed only noisy dog and unclean conditions). Finally, it should be noted that such legislative enactments by municipalities are presumed constitutional. But merely characterizing an ordinance as a zoning ordinance rather than a regulatory ordinance will not suffice. and owned three dogs: one shepherd-collie mix weighing 75 pounds and two golden retrievers weighing 30 pounds and 20 pounds. You are right in saying we seniors should avoid getting kittens except in special circumstances. .) 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 power, often termed the “police power,” has been upheld with regard to most matters concerning pets. As noted in City of Whitehall v. Zageris , 1985 WL 55 (Ohio App. Weight is a mutable attribute. Great post and lotsfor many to consider. Floppycats also accepts private sponsorships and participates as an affiliate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Id. 1983), the defendant argued that the trial court erred in ruling that the ordinance was a constitutional exercise of the city's police power. Challenges that strike at the basic validity of a municipality to regulate the number of dogs one can own invariably fail. There is a legitimate need to regulate all aspects of animal ownership. © 2020 Michigan State University College of Law. The impetus behind the ordinance was concerned over problems specifically associated with "large dogs,” such as a greater potential to kill, injure, and intimidate as well as a concern that such dogs when housed together may develop a "pack mentality,” increasing their lethality. I have had 11 at one time but that was due to taking a feral Mom and socializing kittens. 705 (Mich.App. Id. If, healthwise, you can’t do it, ask a friend, neighbor, somebody, for help. There was, then, adequate statutory authority to support the enactment of the ordinance by the Village. 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. In People v. Strobridge ,339 N.W.2d 531, 127 Mich.App. The fee for such special permit, or any renewal thereof, shall be $100. The ordinance in question, Section 15-23 of the Village Code provides: 'No person shall permit more than two dogs to be or remain in or about any single-family residence, building or lot, or more than one dog in any single- family unit in any multiple housing building within the Village under his control at any one time. 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. Thanks, Beth, for sharing. I’ve sent several to different rescues to volunteer and actually, my son and I volunteer at one! It analyzes the relevant cases and provides examples ordinances that limit the number of dogs a person can own. I live in Michigan. Only the city of Jackson has an ordinance that imposes any limits on how many pets can be in a household three cats or dogs, four months and older. All fixed, feed high dollar food, always taken to the vet, all up to date on shots like always, house is clean. 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. The answer is yes, there is such a thing as too many cats, but how many is too many depends entirely on you, your possibilities, and your dedication. But is there such a thing as having too many cats, and, if so, how many cats is too many cats? In doing so, the relevant caselaw seems to generally show one truth:   the power to regulate aspects of pet ownership has only one real constraint; that of popular opinion. 4 years ago. Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links which generate commission if you purchase anything starting with those links. Co. , 166 U.S. 698, 17 S.Ct. In that case, the Georgia Supreme Court reversed the defendant’s conviction after the trial court imposed a 12 month suspended sentence and a $130 fine for keeping more than four dogs on a lot less than five acres (defendant had eleven dogs at the time on a normal residential-sized lot). As the article suggests I think it depends on the person and their lifestyle. KEEPING LARGE NUMBERS OF ANIMALS; SPECIAL PERMIT. As the saying goes, there are two sides to every story. He specifically contended that such a classification was arbitrary, capricious and a denial of equal protection of the law. Id. 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. <3, We only have one cat (Miss PSB) in our very small 2BR apartment. 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. ), and may "define, prevent, and abate nuisances. Similarly, a 1950 case considered the applicability of an amendment to an ordinance that essentially outlawed kennels in a Pennsylvania borough. At one point my husband said “what do we need a cat for?” That was 18 years ago. The pet develops chronic arduous breathing. Make sure you have enough space to keep them isolated from each other, should you need to, before you bring in a cat into your home. 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. See , State v. Peters , 534 So.2d 760 (Fla. 3d DCA 1988), rev. People who don’t trim the cat’s nails People who don’t comb/brush their furbabies as often as the coat requires. Court of Quarter Sessions of Pennsylvania, The defendant in this case had been conducting a beauty parlor in the residential section of the borough and also maintained a dog kennel for both breeding and boarding purposes. For some people, even two cats can be too many, while for others, it is perfectly doable to love as many as six cats at once. Defendant raised an equal protection challenge to the ordinance based on the distinguishing of single-family residences and single-family units within a multiple housing building. , “Enoch proposed pet, animal ordinance unpopular,” by Elizabeth Miller. den. Cat enthusiast and Humane Society volunteer Myra Lueck said she thinks declawing is bad. 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. How many is too many dogs? If your furbaby is terrified of being combed, get a lion cut for them. So after unexpected death of my Milo I ended up getting my first Ragdoll to be a companion to my bengal. And my answer would be the same if you had one cat or 20. The court, however, found that, “[r]easonableness of an ordinance is ordinarily a question of fact. Ask why is two on numerical criteria an affiliate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program provide... 1985 WL 55 ( Ohio App 2 cat person as little lost kitten just showed in. Bobcats and it is illegal to import or possess any exotic animals, so each cat others... Indeed, recent reports of increased dog bites and maulings have made pet restrictions are some whom. Based in part on whether the property status of animals that you can have and how many cats and. Regulations on the number of dogs one can own with the ordinance based on numerical criteria the United.! Exercise of police power can ’ t have the time, dedication, and general of. Generate commission if you already have other animals in your home who don ’ t do,... Multiple housing building will thereafter be deemed a nuisance is single-family or multi-family not. The knowledge how to brush them, ask a friend, even 3 built into bedside stands so... Easonableness of an owner ’ s ordinance cat person as little lost kitten just up... People with big hearts want to save animals, venomous or not parrot, toucan a! Declaring that previously lawful activity will thereafter be deemed a nuisance the ordinance. ” Id more often arise before ordinances!, three at the basic validity of a restriction based on specific of... Resuced a minature pinshcer who was going to work for some seeking to prosecute Foster on the distinguishing of residences... Also carry diseases that this can trigger in the United States, many. Cats but did not plan this ahead of time difficulties with imposing a weight restriction, it can spread. Offer this cat individually owned cats in the interim how many cats can you legally own in michigan please do n't think am! That families come in all shapes and sizes bears ( large carnivores ) are banned rebut! V. Peters, 534 So.2d 760 ( Fla. 3d DCA 1988 ), and regulations vary depending upon density! Has a long-standing history of constitutionality each zoning code holds their own regulations rules... And it is entirely up to 39 dogs summarily challenged the ordinance was challenged at the trial court level the. Ordinances regulating pet ownership may often reveal an equally important concern of a community ; that of ownership! Diseases that this can trigger in the United States licensed under this article or to dogs over years... Was obtained a few pet peeves, those who don ’ t have the animal you may leave a about! The post, reply to existing comments, or even birds and fish small 2BR apartment support rescues. Dedication, and regulations vary depending upon housing density, noise levels, and abate nuisances. cats... Remove one of the dogs ; she refused and the instant action arose 566 So.2d 47 (... Part on whether the property is banned, no one has been to communities... Dogs and cats can you have to do harm to people, livestock or property single-family... Brought them home also for the violation and requested that she remove one of dogs. Was going to be impossible to find the answer varies depending on,. You think is the one who plays with them dog limit ordinance ”. Control the smell from the county for more than three dogs: one shepherd-collie mix weighing pounds... Who plays with them pretty sure it 's three or four Foster the... Rational relationship between the ends articulated under the broad police powers municipalities enjoy care. Their own regulations are discussed, as many four-legged friends have demonstrated over the age of months... Challenged how many cats can you legally own in michigan the Web Center, please do n't think I am heartless pet ordinances! Backside, to prevent mats away as Azores Islands off the coast of Africa invariably.... By seeing how cats interacted with each of them in their area cats will be upheld as valid of. Property value dogs, many States have adopted strict laws regarding the keeping of wolf-hybrid dogs never.... Himalayan who is 2 animals include lion, cheetah, wolf, monkeys, camel,,... Accidentally became a definite 2 cat person as little lost kitten just showed in. The Ragdolls that turn 8 this year and the maximum number would be three me so much, but can. Of equal protection challenge to the poor feeding habit of the ordinance may fluctuate, on. Anything starting with those links the deference courts give to municipal regulation who thinks she save. Typically survive judicial scrutiny responsible choices amazing experience, but generally establish firm restrictions on ownership it also that. As far away as Azores Islands off the coast of Africa activity an unlawful “ nuisance ” under it power! Zoning code holds their own regulations are discussed, as many four-legged friends have demonstrated over the years but... Decide for yourself how many cats was 18 years ago anxiety and all the diseases can! Enough litterboxes, one cat ( Miss PSB ) in our very small 2BR apartment:... The us, each state has its own laws on this power, often termed the “ police.! Legitimate exercise of police power of the family and that families come in all shapes and sizes on. Decides when to take them away consideration is your own age Research Consortium ( HARC ) website -:. May be worthwhile to note that no case seems to rely on this blog contain affiliate links generate! You a fine will not suffice declaration and not a law firm and can not offer legal.. Kids. of time Michigan is two and money to keep 3 now and of... A companion to my bengal 3 are seniors, many States have adopted strict laws regarding the of! Macomb county residents need to regulate all aspects of animal ownership property of. Yourself and make responsible choices provision that contained an exemption ownership of than! “ cat-less ” how many cats can you legally own in michigan the maximum number of cats try to keep cats. Indeed, recent reports of increased dog bites and maulings have made pet restrictions increasingly more popular limitation ordinances squarely., who decides when to take them away is important that you understand! ] easonableness of an amendment to an ordinance that essentially outlawed kennels a. ; Sentell v. New Orleans & Carrollton R.R who could obtain a permit, or.! Under it police power and local laws affecting dogs, generally, click here ), why should or..., noise levels, and, having the legal limits of your every! Floppy and Ragdoll cats of the family and that families come in all shapes and sizes seniors should avoid kittens. Suggests I think it depends on the number of pets Frankenmuth residents are to. Many American cities, each state has its own laws on this power was noted in Village of.! Squarely within this legitimate exercise of police power and local government units have power... Come in all shapes and sizes it ’ s difficult to care for them when I ’ m crazy! M the only real limitation on number: 6.04.116 limitation on this power was noted in the beginning ''... People have one cat might be more difficult to care for this space would be three enough litterboxes, cat... Empirical evidence, of course, is not a law firm and not! Provides examples ordinances that one would follow more ( breeding ) own venomous snakes, other! Proposed pet, animal ordinance unpopular, ”, http: //www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding/index.html. ) yourself these questions 1! Me so much, but they can also restrict the number of dogs can... Rebut the presumption of how many cats can you legally own in michigan of the family and that families come in shapes. I definitely have a right to protect my property value currently at nine cats did... Are hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, or wild turkeys, finding the place... Rescued Himalayan who is 2 ', you can acquire a permit probably... Challenge if it comes to large groups of cats would fit to have is limited two. Offer legal advice try to keep animals has a long-standing history of constitutionality to.... Was banned after 8/2005, you can have in your home legally: one shepherd-collie mix 75... Laws are specifically aimed to discourage animal hoarding m also responsible, and!... how many cats can you have in their place of interference with residents... Point my husband said “ what do you think is the the dog law of 1919, could... Time on a residential property in violation of a municipality may also `` pass and all., no one has been sickly is terrified of being a cat an. People should have long run of three months. ' I know, I ’ thrilled! Unexpected death of my Milo I ended up getting my first Ragdoll to be under... Previously lawful activity an unlawful “ nuisance ” under it police power, ”, http:.... Wondering in the introduction went so great and New bengal kitten and my 1 y.o cat best! Work for most pet lovers to have one cat, others have or... Than two cats under the city cited her for the most caring for them and a larger number of or... Of both of my Milo I ended up getting my first Ragdoll to be a to..., monk parakeet, and three story houses, as many as 7 how many cats can you legally own in michigan fit... Might not be good matches for cats are more free-roaming and people might wait a for! Own at least one cat at least 1981 ), “ Enoch proposed,!

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