MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Mountain View County's municipal planning commission (MPC) has approved a development permit application for an existing kennel operating in the Netook area east of Olds .
The approved application is for a commercial kennel (animal rescue) and setback relaxation for existing structure. The matter came before the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting.
The property involved is located east of Highway 2, southwest of the intersection between Range Road 10A and Township Road 324.
“The kennel is currently operating and there are nine dogs on site,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission. “The applicant is requesting approval to house a maximum of 20 dogs at any one given time. The application is the result of a complaint.
“The kennel operation was not the subject of the complaint but was noted during a site inspection and therefore a fine has not been recommended.”
The applicant has worked with the Alberta SPCA on re-homing six dogs to date. A peace officer working with the SPCA provided a letter of support stating they have no concerns with the facility or the care of animals residing there, members heard.
“The applicant stated that there are no residences near the subject property or a multi-lot subdivision within 400 metres. The dogs sleep inside the dwelling and the operator lives on site.”
The application was circulated to adjacent landowners for comment.
“We received one letter objection from an adjacent landowner that boarders the property to south and east. The concerns raised by the adjacent landowner is animal welfare in the form of inadequate pasture and housing, improper feed and water, insufficient fencing resulting in trespassing or accidents due to the proximity to Highway 2, and manure/dead animal management on the property.”
As part of its application, the applicant addressed the concerns raised, saying in part that, “With my professional knowledge and commitment I can fully control this amount with proper care and cleanness on a professional level.”
The approval comes with a number of conditions, including that “all exterior exercise areas shall be enclosed with a climb-proof fence, and the dogs not be permitted to run free off the property.”
