Despite being one of the dog-friendliest cities in the country, it’s been illegal for Alexandria residents to own more than three dogs and four cats for decades. Now Mayor Justin Wilson is asking city staff to present a proposal that will increase the number of dogs allowed to live in a single household.
The limit on dog ownership goes back to 1995, but it was never about the dogs, Wilson said. The ordinance was approved by City Council to keep cat owners from hoarding feline companions.
Wilson said in a City Council meeting Tuesday night that he’s received correspondence from residents complaining about the pet ordinance.
“Probably the easiest way to address this is maybe just up the number one or two (dogs),” Wilson said. “I would suggest probably two just to be safe, but maybe one. I’ll leave that up to the council.”
Wilson then asked that city staff present a proposed ordinance that increases the number of dogs allowed, but leaves the number of cats allowed in a household as-is at four.
City Council Member Alyia Gaskins asked whether the city has enough animal control officers on staff to handle an influx of dogs.
“I would be curious what data we need to help us figure out if we have the right number of animal control officers across the city as a whole,” Gaskins said. “How do you plan for that?”
