Cats in Salt Lake City may soon join their canine companions in sporting collar bling, if an ordinance before the Salt Lake City Council passes.

The proposal would eliminate the restriction on how many dogs or cats residents can have and require that cats be licensed. Residents would also face stiffer fees for non-compliance.

The hope is to increase the number of licensed animals in the Salt Lake Valley — and assure more of them get home. The Salt Lake County shelter, with which the city contracts for animal control, is only able to return about 44 percent of dogs and 4 percent of cats who pass through its doors, said Shawni Larrabee, Salt Lake County director of animal services. In contrast, Calgary, Canada, now returns 87 percent of dogs in its shelters to their owners after passing requirements similar to those being considered by the council.

"We know licensing is directly correlated with the number of animals you are going to get home," Larrabee said.

Pet owners choose not to license their animals for a variety of reasons, Larrabee explained. Many have exceeded the number of animals allowed through marriage, inheriting an animal from a loved one or a love of animal rescue, and don't want to be found out. The proposal would allow for an unlimited number of pets, as long as owners comply with existing ordinances regulating hygiene, noise and care.

"I am one of the many 'underground illegals' and would welcome the chance to not be one any longer," an anonymous pet owner posted on the Open City Hall website.

Others simply don't realize their pets need to be licensed, Larrabee said, while some think their pets' rabies tags are a license. County-wide, only 22 percent of dogs are properly licensed, making it extremely difficult to return lost pets to their owners.

Most posters on the city website have been supportive of the measure, though some dislike the idea of allowing owners to have as many pets as they wish. Others, like Phil Mattingly, are strongly opposed.

"It is an [sic] stupid idea and one that is only proposed to generate more revenue for the county," Mattingly said in his post.

With cat licenses starting at $5, which includes a microchip, Larrabee said animal services will be lucky to break even. She said her goal is to reduce the number of pets in the shelter, and the best way to do that is to ensure they can return home.

"At some point, it really has to become the pet owner's responsibility," Larrabee said.

The City Council is expected to vote on the proposed changes later this summer.

kdrake@sltrib.comTwitter: @Katie_Drake —

Proposed animal licensing changes

The proposed ordinance contains several changes for Salt Lake City Pet owners:

Requires cats to be licensed.

Eliminates animal limits.

Changes the fine schedule for non-compliance. First offenses would be free, second offenses would be $125 and third would be $250.

Offers a free microchip for any animal receiving its first license.