Dozens of animals rescued from fire, but should anyone have so many pets?

NORTH DAKOTA -- Dozens of birds, cats and turtles are safe after firefighters pulled them from a burning home in north Fargo, but can having that many pets in a home cause health issues for animals and their owners?

As dozens of animals were rescued from the fire Sunday night, some wondered if it was too many for one house. Sources say 40 birds, a couple cats and turtles and a lizard were found in the home.

Colette Olson- Fargo Community Service Officer: "There is no limitation as far as birds go. The only thing that we do keep track of is cats and dogs. They can have a total of 6. All cats, all dogs or a combination of both. If it's excessive as far as cleanliness where I feel that it might be a health hazard."

Animal control officers say they have been to this home before. They say they didn't find any health concerns, and they were taking care of the birds properly, but they told the homeowners they shouldn't have any more pets.

The CDC says more than 100 infectious diseases can be passed from animals to humans, which is why it's important to take care of your animals properly and not to have too many in a home.

(Grand Forks Herald - Nov 24, 2015)