There is currently an ongoing drama in a town that I cover.  A woman owns 22 Shih Tzus and the town has forced a legal battle to have her get rid of all but 3 of them.  You see, there is a local zoning ordinance that only allows ownership of up to 2 dogs without a permit.  Clearly 22 dogs is a tad more than 2 dogs.

The issue is that no one has really complained about her dogs.  She keeps them clean and quiet.  Most people in her neighborhood had no idea she even had so many dogs until the issue became public.  She lives in a very desirable neighborhood in town.  She has so many pets simply because she has taken them in because no one else wants them.  Some have medical ailments and she is willing to pay their vet bills.  Many of the dogs would have been euthanized if she did not rescue them.

At this point the case has gone to court and there was a ruling that went against her.  Zoning fines will start piling up in a hefty amount after a short grace period.  This breaks my heart because the woman is clearly properly caring for the animals and her surrounding neighbors have not complained.  At this point she may have to move out of town in order to keep her family.  How sad.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this issue.  Do you think this is reasonable?  At what point should the town get involved?  I understand their point from a health and safety perspective, but her situation doesn't seem to be causing a health and safety issue.  Thoughts?