An Alabama city council is considering limiting the number of dogs allowed in a residential home to three.

Northport City Attorney Ron Davis tells The Tuscaloosa News that city code already bans keeping more than three dogs in an enclosure that’s less than 50 feet (15 meters) from another residence. But he says residents have argued that as long as they have only three dogs in the yard at one time, they’re complying with the code.

The proposed ordinance would replace that law with clearer language. Exceptions would apply to newborn litters, shelters, humane societies, licensed kennels, veterinary offices and farms that are at least 300 feet (90 meters) away from other residences.

Homes with more than three dogs would not be grandfathered in, but would receive a grace period.

(Associated Press, copyright 2018)