FORT THOMAS — A capacity crowd is expected at the Fort Thomas city council meeting tonight, when council considers an ordinance limiting the number of dogs and cats in each residence.

        The ordinance makes it unlawful to keep more than two dogs and two cats in one house.

        The ordinance has caused a stir in this quiet, upscale community. A petition drive was started and several hundred signatures were obtained for presentation to council.

        “I hope everyone concerned about this ordinance does come to the meeting,” city administrator Jeff Earlywine said. “That's what government is about. If you have a problem with a proposed ordinance, you come to the meeting and tell the council. Now is the time for people to speak up.”

        Veterinarian Jean Pritchard, who operates the Fort Thomas Animal Hospital on South Fort Thomas Avenue, started the petition drive after learning that the ordinance would come up for a vote at city council.

        “I had some concerns about what it meant to residents and pet owners, and to people in the community who rescue certain species of dog or cat,” she said.

        Petition forms were placed in 21 locations around Fort Thomas, and by late Friday every form carried at least 20 signatures.

        At the Southside Deli Mart on South Fort Thomas Avenue, clerk Alisha Tittle said Friday that petition had more than 50 signatures.

        Mr. Earlywine said he was concerned that not everyone voicing opposition to the ordinance knew what was contained in the legislation.

        “There is a grandfather clause in the ordinance allowing anyone who already lawfully owns more than two dogs and two cats to keep their pets,” Mr. Earlywine said.

        “They would just have to obtain a permit from the city, and there would be no charge for the permit,” he said. “It would be renewable each year with an inspection of the premises.”

        He said communities in Campbell and Kenton counties already have similar ordinances.

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