An ordinance that would control the number of animals a property owner can have in their home remains under review in Lehighton.

On a 6-0 measure, borough council on Monday agreed to proceed with an amendment to the zoning ordinance. Councilwoman Lisa Perry was absent.

Council’s decision came after borough Manager Nicole Beckett said that borough solicitor Jim Nanovic provided two different options: a nuisance ordinance, to include the numbers of animals allowed on a property; or zoning ordinance amendment defining a kennel as a building/structure which houses more than a certain amount of animals.

Beckett noted the borough’s zoning ordinance has been updated and is in the review process through planning, and then council.

This section would be added to the amendment, she said.

Last month, Robert Schoenberger, who resides at 235 N. Fourth St., told council that he’s lived at his home for 40 years.

Schoenberger said his neighbor has 17 cats and two dogs in the half double, adding he lives in the other half.

He said there’s a smell of kitty litter, and asked whether the borough has an ordinance to control how many animals one can have in a home at one time.

Additionally, Schoenberger said the neighbor with all the animals is also making their yard a junkyard.

Abelovsky suggested at that time that council research the situation and revisit the matter.