Citing excessive "noise and stench," Chicago aldermen have tried (and failed) to make dog hoarding - i.e., owning more than five dogs - a misdemeanor before. And they may not get much futher this time (Sun-Times) either.
While it may sound reasonable to limit households to a manageable number of pets, the criminalization of six dogs may not be.
Dog lovers are passionate about their beasts and have dug in to oppose the latest attempt at limiting households to just five canines (unless you've got a sled team, how many dogs do you really need?).
Critcs argue the proposed ordinance would force dog owners with more than five pets to choose among "family members" since it doesn't include a so-called "grandfather clause."
Mark Rosenthal, operations manager for Chicago's Commission on Animal Care and Control, endorsed the proposal at a hearing earlier this week but suggested it also include cats. Cat hoarding is more prevalent apparently, which makes sense because cats are generally smaller and don't require the same requirements for attention and outside exercise.
However, fierce and vocal opposition will probably muzzle the dog hoarding ban.
Retired Chicago teacher Charles Ginsberg says he has six dogs and would prefer to be a criminal than give away one of his "children."
A retired man most likely has the time necessary to care for his dogs while a busy working couple might be less able to care for just one or two dogs, critics say.
While it may be still too early to say for sure, it looks like Chicago's proposed dog hoarding ban is going to remain in the doghouse for now.
- How Many Dogs Can You Keep? (Dog Law)
- Illinois Dog Laws (Michigan State University College of Law, Legal & Historical Animal Center)
- Il. criminal attorney directory (FindLaw)
