MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county’s municipal planning commission (MPC) has a approved a development permit for a existing dog kennel in the Reed Ranch rural community east of Olds.
The approval came during the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting, held in person and on Zoom.
The subject property is located one kilometre south of Highway 27 east of Range Road 272 at SW 35-32-27-4.
The permit is for kennel, commercial, a discretionary use in the agricultural district. The subject parcel contains the Spruce Creek Upland Club clubhouse, two dwellings and a detached garage.
The applicant requested consideration for a kennel, commercial for the breeding of Small Munsterlander hunting dogs on a 160-acre parcel zoned agricultural district.
“The quarter section has been used by the Spruce Creek Upland Club for hunting that has been operational for many years,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission.
“The kennel is not part of the club operations. The kennel is in existence and has been operating on the subject parcel. This application was the result of a complaint however, as the applicant has worked with administration and applied to come into compliance, a fine is not recommended with the issuance of this permit as per Land Use Bylaw No. 21/21, Section 7.5.6.”
The applicant proposed a maximum of 17 dogs, including adult dogs, puppies and any dogs deemed as personal pets on the property at any one period of time.
“Within the application details the applicant stated that on average they have two litters per year and they only breed their dogs when they have a waitlist for puppies. Buyers must submit an application and participate in an interview before they can be waitlisted.”
In a letter submitted to the commission as part of the application, the applicant said, “Our breeding program is founded on ethical practices that contribute to the betterment of the breed. This is achieved by strategically selecting healthy sires and dams that we believe will make the best hunting companion and family members inside and outside the home.
“We are members of good standing with two organizations that pride themselves in ethical breeding and keeping their recognized breeds with strong bloodlines tied to hunting.”
In a letter in support of the application, veterinarian Jack Wilson said, “As a member, I attend Spruce Creek Club approximately twenty times a year and have observed the kennel facility many times. It is my opinion that the operation is well managed and clean. The dogs appear to be in good shape, comfortable and well cared for.”
Administration reviewed the application and recommended approval.
The permit approval comes with a number of conditions, including that the dogs shall not be permitted to run free off the property and that waste management of the breeding operation must be in accordance with provincial requirements regarding waste disposal.
Made up of county councillors and appointed members of the public, the MPC is the county’s approving authority.
