Northglenn, Colorado, will enforce a new ordinance starting August 1 limiting households to no more than four cats and/or dogs combined.

The rule, prompted by resident complaints about noise and waste, aims to improve neighborhood quality of life.

Pet owners with more than four animals must apply for an exemption to keep their current pets.

Failure to comply could lead to court-ordered pet removal.

The city says it will focus on education before taking enforcement action, the Daily Mail has reported.

The move has sparked backlash from residents, though similar pet limits exist in nearby cities and other states.

Written by B.C. Begley