I am a devoted pet lover living in the City of Montrose, Colorado, where current pet ownership limits can label a responsible pet owner as noncompliant based on numbers alone. The rule at the heart of this issue prescribes a strict limit on dog and cat ownership which does injustice to those loving pet owners like myself who are proficient in caring for multiple pets. These arbitrary limits ignore responsible pet caretakers while potentially letting less responsible single pet owners slip through unchecked. It is unfortunate that a pet owner's credibility is determined not by the quality of care they provide to their animals, but by the pet count at their residence.

Factually, Montrose City Ordinance 2239, section 6-2-3 currently allows only 2 dogs and 2 cats per household. "It shall be unlawful to keep, maintain, harbor or possess, upon the premises of any one household, more than two (2) dogs and two (2) cats." 

This is an unfair figure when the potential is considered. The city of Montrose does not have any way of knowing how many pets any one household possess. The only way this ordinance is enforceable is by neighbors complaining to animal control to enforce a violation. How does this foster community and neighborhood cohesion?

This Ordinance was passed by the city council with zero public comment??!! (2014)

Interesting comparison: Colorado Springs allows 4 dogs and 4 cats per residence, The City of Colorado Springs population is 486,248 (2022) that is approximately 23 times the size of the population of Montrose.

Pet overpopulation should be a concern, undoubtedly, but the solution should be centered on promoting responsible pet ownership, not capping limits. Nationally, it's found that 23% of U.S. pet owners own more than one pet (Statista, 2021). It's tragic that in Montrose, many responsible homeowners are excluded from this.

We propose the review and reshaping of current pet ownership laws that will instead assess the health, welfare, and living conditions of the pets themselves. Let’s judge pet owners by the love and care they radiate rather than a simple headcount. Colorado is ranked as the number one state "With the most devoted dog owners" (Forbes Advisor, 2023)    

If you are a pet lover or believe in fair pet ownership laws then support us by signing this petition. Let your signature voice the need for change in Montrose, Colorado.