ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- The city of Escondido is attempting to change a law that may affect the hundreds of pets currently in shelters, 10News reported.

Nearly 600 animals at the Escondido Humane Society need to be adopted. In good times, shelter officials said there are only 300 animals available.

"We have maintained high inventory levels for the last month, and normally we would see the inventory go down between now and, say, Christmas," said Sally Costello of the Escondido Humane Society.

Officials blame the down economy for most of the animals sitting in shelters, with some often sharing a cage. Foreclosures have forced thousands of people to abandon their homes and pets. Additionally, pet owners in Escondido are only allowed to have one or two pets at a time.

"Other cities allow more pets than we do. The county certainly allows more pets than we do, said Escondido City Councilwoman Olga Diaz.

The city currently allows people in apartments or smaller homes to have one cat or dog, while homes on bigger lots can have two pets. Under a proposal from Diaz, people in bigger lots -- at least 10,000 square feet -- would be able to adopt a third animal. Properties bigger than 20,000 square feet could adopt a fourth pet -- but that only affects 25 percent of Escondido residents.

"That seems a reasonable accommodation for those people who have a couple animals to get a couple more," said Costello.

Opponents of the proposal disagree, and many fear it could lead to an increase in stray animals and complaints from neighbors.

"More dogs that means more noise and more complaints," said Escondido City Councilman Sam Abed.

The Humane Society said that would not happen because all of their pets are spayed or neutered and they try to find responsible pet owners.

"We hope that anyone has it in their heart and is able is able to take in another dog or cat at this time. It would be great," said Costello.

If the ordinance passes, it will go into effect immediately.