Q: My condo association recently adopted a rule that limits pets to one per unit. It's all because some residents aren't scooping their dogs' poop. As a cat owner, I think this is unfair. My cats need one another. Can you convince them otherwise?

A: It's not unusual for landlords and condo associations to be picky about pets in ways that aren't always to the taste of the people who love them. Limits on species, weight and number of animals are standard when you live in small-box, close-quarter housing.

I'll allow that sometimes these rules go too far, failing to consider the pets themselves and what's in everyone's best interest -- human and animal. Here's what I'd argue, should your condo association be willing to listen:

Pets need company. And it's unreasonable to expect that owners can be at home all the time to meet those needs. That makes a one-per-unit limitation unfair to the animals.

The unintended consequence of the rule could be a noisier, less peaceful environment for everyone, as solitary pets give voice to their separation anxiety and loneliness.

What's more, reducing a two-pet rule to one will make very little difference in stool volume as long as those who flout condo rules on scooping continue to do so. Sometimes you just can't regulate neighborliness.

As with so many onerous pet rules in our society, it's the owners' behavior that needs to be individually addressed -- especially when blanket rules adversely affect animal welfare.

Dr. Patty Khuly has a veterinary practice in South Miami and blogs at www.dolittler.com. Send questions to khulyp@bellsouth.net, or Dr. Dolittler, Tropical Life, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.

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