August 2023

Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison

The Perry, Michigan City Council fielded overwhelmingly negative feedback for a proposed amendment to the 2016 limit law. This largely unenforced zoning law limited residences to 2 or 4 pets (domesticated animals including cats, dogs, potbellied pigs, ducks, miniature bantam chickens, guinea hens, and rabbits), banned breeding, and required that the offspring of any accidental litters be placed within two months. The last requirement is detrimental to the puppies and kittens and contrary to the laws of many communities that prohibit placing cats and dogs younger than eight weeks. The 2016 ordinance also allows a permit to exceed the limits. The proposed amendment would change the over-limit permit to a temporary permit with a 90-day maximum period. Rescues and fosters would require a foster cat home permit, allowing the residence up to two foster cats. Like other residences, fosters would have two months to place any offspring of pregnant foster cats. No similar foster requirements for other species or plans to increase enforcement exist.

Sixty people showed up to the council meeting on August 3, 2023. Many were not even aware of the existing limit law. No one supported the proposed zoning amendments though one person suggested mandatory microchipping of all pets. According to Mayor Sue Hammond, another 25 emails were received in opposition. Ultimately, the council unanimously decided to postpone the possible adoption of the proposed ordinance for 120 days and issue a moratorium on enforcement of the current section 3.30 as it pertains to dogs and cats for 120 days.

Speaking up does make a difference. But if bad laws or recorded covenants, conditions, and restrictions on property you may purchase are already in place, advance knowledge is critical. The August 2023 issue of Cat Talk has an article provided by the CFA Legislative Group called “How to Research Pet Limit Laws” to help you determine if such restrictions exist.