SAN BRUNO, Calif. -- A San Bruno couple is fighting to save 12 of their 14 dogs after city officials told them they had less than two weeks to find most of them new homes.

Tony and Roberta Washington, both in their 60s, turned their dining room into an air conditioned kennel- where they crate 14 Chihuahua-mix dogs and 14 cats. When neighbors anonymously complained to the city about the cleanliness of the Washingtons’ kennel, the couple was told that city code only allows two dogs and four cats, and that they had 10 days to get rid of most of their pets or get a special permit for more. The city's deadline ran out Thursday.

The couple said they already got rid of five cats but refused to give the dogs away.

"Well the dogs are not going. They are staying with us, even if we have to move out, But i'm hoping to get that permit," said Roberta Washington.

The Humane Society recently inspected their home and reported no problems.

“We don't check to see the yard is immaculate with blooming plants, but we do check to see if the animals are being neglected or mistreated, and that would include the cleanliness of the situation. We found there was no problem,” said Ken White, president of the Peninsula Humane Society.

Some neighbors are rallying behind the Washingtons, saying the animals are not a problem.

They're just really nice people and I'd hate to see anything happen where they'd lose their dogs,” said neighbor Marilyn Baird. “They're like their babies.”

The San Bruno City Manager's office told KTVU that the couple does not need approval from neighbors to get a permit that allows more than the allotted amount of pets, only an inspection.