I missed all the fun….definitely next time!
The local municipalities generally determine the number of pets that are acceptable within their juristiction, not the state. My experience it is usually up to 2 dogs and/or two cats or some combination thereof. Often rural areas or towns are more likely to allow more. A couple I knew were suckers for stray animals and at one time they had about 6 dogs and 7 cats. It was a challenge for them to find a place to live and they had to move out to the country. Althought that is an extreme example. I'd probably have about 3-4 dogs if I could, but that isn't going to happen unless I move.
I live somewhat in the country in Maine and after you posted about only being able to have 2 dogs, I decided to call my town office. The first 2 people I talked to laughed…like the question was ridiculous. Then I called the code officer. He didn't know the answer but thought it was a great question and needed to call me back after he looked into it. For my town, I can have 5. Any more than 5 and I have to apply for a kennel application.
FWIW, there was a huge problem with a puppy mill in a town about 45 minutes from me. A responsible basenji breeder (BCOA member and not a BYB) who had 7 b's as pets (hasn't bred in a couple years) was put thru the wringer by ugly neighbors because the town passed a new ordinance (after the puppy mill was broken up) limiting the number of pet dogs. This b owner had the dogs long before the puppy mill ever came to light. After a huge fight with the town, she has since been grandfathered, but needs to register as a kennel if she decides to breed another litter.
