After learning that Salt Lake County animal control officers, who also provide services in Salt Lake City, enforce more than a dozen different ordinances around the county, council members decided to form a subcommittee to study the issue.

"You're already enforcing different ordinances every few miles?" asked Councilwoman Jill Remington Love. "How many do other communities allow?"

The answer depends on zoning and not necessarily on pet ordinances, said Salt Lake County animal control officer ShonHardy.

"You have different types of animals, for instance, in areas where the lots are bigger," he said.

If an area is commercial, there could be special permits that would allow a business or rescue facility to house up to 150 dogs, he said. The limit in residential areas in Taylorsville and Herriman is five.

The ordinance Salt Lake City officials are considering would allow up to four animals per residence but keep the current limit of two dogs. Other changes include allowing homeowners to keep ferrets and require licenses and microchips for cats.

Council member Soren Simonsen said he approved of cat licensing because it would help owners locate lost pets. But he disagreed with the notion that limiting the number of pets per household solves the problems of dogs running through the neighborhoods or owners who don't clean up after them.

"It seems like there are other areas where we should be focusing our attention if we really want to address these types of issues," he said.

The council is planning a public hearing on the matter in April and likely will have a second public hearing after the subcommittee makes its suggestions.

lorib@sltrib.com