In a move sparking outrage over government overreach, the city of Northglenn, Colorado, just outside Denver, will begin enforcing a sweeping new ordinance that limits pet ownership — and authorizes authorities to confiscate cats and dogs from residents who exceed it.
Beginning in August, Northglenn residents will be limited to just four total pets — whether cats, dogs, or a combination of both. Those with more than four animals must apply for a “previously owned pet exception” to avoid losing their pets.
Yes, you read that right: In the United States of America, in 2025, local government officials are preparing to seize animals from families — unless those families apply for government permission to keep them.
According to city officials, the ordinance was passed following complaints about “excessive noise and waste” from some pet-heavy homes. But rather than enforcing existing nuisance laws or encouraging responsible ownership, Northglenn has taken the heavy-handed route of regulating private pet ownership — down to the animal’s name, breed, and age.
Those who don’t comply risk being taken to court and could face the forced removal of their animals.
City leaders say they plan to focus on “education and outreach” first. But the language of the ordinance leaves little room for doubt: residents who fail to comply may lose their beloved animals, even if those animals pose no threat or disruption to the community.
While cities like New York and Los Angeles also have pet limits, those laws rarely result in the confiscation of animals. Northglenn’s new policy is far more aggressive — echoing the kind of surveillance-state control more commonly seen in communist China, where a short-lived “one dog” policy once allowed authorities to seize and euthanize dogs for simply being the wrong size.
This isn’t about public health. It’s about control.
Pet lovers and liberty-minded citizens alike should take this as a serious warning. When the government can tell you how many pets you’re allowed to love — and take them from your home if you don’t comply — what’s next?
Property rights, due process, and basic human decency are at stake. And if Northglenn gets away with it, don’t be surprised if other cities follow suit.
