Multiple Pets Legal But Costly

by ABC-7 Reporter Rachel Abell

EL PASO, Texas — It’s the case that highlighted a little-known law — 48 Chihuahuas living under one roof, and it’s all perfectly legal.

There is no limit on the number of pets you can have in the city of El Paso, but there are strict guidelines that must be followed.

It’s what you call a “multiple-pet household.” Betty Hoover and her husband have eight dogs living with them. But Betty, who works for the Human Society, says she knows better than most how much work goes into owning multiple pets.

“They take a lot of time, as much love as they give back they really do take a lot of time,” she said. She says multiple pet owners should ask themselves, “What are your personal resources? What is your personal commitment? What is the amount of time you can spend with the animals to make sure they’re properly socialized and that they have a good home?

And that’s not all — affording multiple pets can be one of the biggest obstacles. “We spend probably around $300 a month on food for the animals.”

And according to the city ordinance, you also have to make sure their shots are up to date, they are microchipped and they are maintained and contained.

“The difference between our household and a hoarding household is all of our animals, as you can see, are healthy, well cared for,” Betty said.

But Eduardo de Castro, the director of Animal Services, has also seen the ugly side of multiple pets in the home.

“There’s quite a few people that surrender animals because they just can’t keep them,” he said.

Animal Services says none of the 48 Chihuahuas are left at their facilities. They have either adopted the dogs out or given them to other shelters in the area.

The Animal Rescue League has 10 left, one just gave birth and another will soon. The Humane Society took 17 and has only two left.