HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Concerned about people who collect too many pets to give them proper care, the city council in this northeast Missouri town has adopted a law limiting to five the combined number of dogs and cats a person can own.

Police Capt. Lyndell Davis said the ordinance, approved Tuesday, was needed because of pet overpopulation as well as "complaints from citizens with people hoarding up to 20 or 30 animals in their home."

The law is effective Jan. 1. Violators could face fines of up to $150 for each day that they have too many pets.

The previous ordinance allowed ownership of up to three cats and three dogs, but was vague and included exemptions that made enforcement difficult, police said.

Persons who find themselves with a litter of kittens or puppies would have six months to find homes for the animals.