IL- Proposed 5 dog limit in City

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/05/chicago-alderman-lets-have-a-five-dog-limit-in-city.html
Originally posted: May 13, 2009

Chicago alderman: Let's have a five dog limit in city
Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos at 6:50 p.m.

Chicago pet owners would not be allowed to have more than five dogs in their homes under a new City Council proposal.

Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) introduced the ordinance to cap pooch occupancy at today's council meeting. He said a majority of aldermen---27 out of 50---quickly indicated their support.

"There are a lot of people who can't enjoy their backyards because of irresponsible dog owners," he said.

The proposal was prompted, Suarez said, by a recent case of 11 dogs at one house in his Northwest Side ward. The alderman alleged that the stench of doggie doo-doo made neighbors barking mad.

"It smells really bad, especially in the summer," Suarez said.

He quickly added that he didn't want to be labeled anti-canine for his latest legislative effort. "We have a dog who is like a member of the family," he explained.

The ordinance will be debated by the council's License Committee. A date for that public hearing has not yet been set.