Bay City may soon tighten its animal rules. A proposed ordinance would limit homes to five pets total and require all dogs and cats over six months old to be microchipped. Owners with more pets can apply for a one-time exemption by January 1st. Unaltered pets would need an annual breeder permit, and transferring animals without one would be illegal. Permits would only be issued under strict guidelines and could be revoked for violations. The City Council will review the changes soon, and if passed, the rules take effect 10 days after approval.