Residents here aren’t concerned their part of the township is going to the dogs, so much as they are that a proposed kennel raises health and safety questions.
On May 25, Centre Wellington council held a public meeting on a proposed amendment to change the zoning of an agricultural residential property to allow for a commercial dog breeding kennel at 7629 4th Line in former Nichol township.
Township planner Mariana Iglesias explained the property is on the south side of 4th Line just west of Sideroad 6 North.
The rezoning would allow a commercial kennel on a property that does not meet size or setback requirements in the township zoning bylaw. Currently the township requires six hectares, while the subject property is one third of a hectare.
While Iglesias agreed the request is a significant deviation, part of the requirement was to provide a buffer area between the operation and neighbours. Because of a farm severance on an adjacent property, that buffering exists since no new residence can be constructed near the subject property.
The property is also heavily treed on all sides, providing additional buffering, Iglesias said. The kennel would also be subject to an annual kennel licence, which would address issues such as noise.
Councillor Fred Morris asked about the grounds for opposition to the proposal.
Iglesias said a letter received in opposition to the proposal indicated concerns regarding the dogs currently on the property roaming free onto the road.
Morris asked how many dogs were currently roaming free. Iglesias did not specify but noted there have been complaints.
The proposal includes an additional building for the kennel, just under 1,000 square feet in size, that would include dog runs.
Councillor Don Fisher asked for clarification as to how many dogs are supposed to be on the property. Iglesias understood the maximum capacity would be 25 to 30 adult dogs.
Applicant Cathy Britton’s planning consultant John Cox said the zoning is currently agricultural, which typically would allow for a kennel. However, the size of the property does not meet township requirements for a kennel – in addition to front and sideyard issues.
He considered the most important issue the setback to the closest residence, which is 120 metres for residential zones as compared to the 90 metres as required in the kennel zoning. Cox said kennel licensing provides a mechanism for inspection and enforcement.
Sandy Cleghorn was first on the list of those opposing the kennel. His home is about 300 feet from the lot in question.
Cleghorn said if approved the current operation, with five to six dogs, will move to 25 to 30. He said the requirement for 15 acres exists for good reason – not only as a buffer zone, but to provide adequate room for housing and dog runs for the animals.
“There is no room for all these things on a 3/4 acre lot,” said Cleghorn.
Nearby resident Lawrie Smith shares the same concerns.
“It’s great plans on paper … but the current homeowner has not demonstrated control of the dogs now,” said Smith. “There has been an attempt at an electronic fence. But from previous experience we cannot ride our horses, walk or ride bikes past the property, without fear of the dogs causing injury.”
Another resident was concerned that in the past the dogs from the property have gone on the road, chased children riding bikes and chased horses.
Nearby resident Rod Metzger echoed previous concerns. “We’ve had incidents of riding our bikes down the road and my wife was actually bitten by one of the dogs.”
Shirley Cleghorn asked councillors to consider the livestock value of having 25 female dogs on a residential property – even if it is one located in a rural area.
She said if each dog had a litter of six pups the numbers increase six-fold. “It is a totally unhealthy situation for that size of a property.”
Several other residents also came forward in their opposition to the proposal.
Mayor Kelly Linton said no decision was to be made that night, but council would consider all the information presented.
