Zoning subcommittee approves special permit for four French bulldogs at 25 Mayflower Ave

The Zoning Subcommittee of the City of Chicopee voted to approve a special‑permit kennel license for four French bulldogs at 25 Mayflower Avenue on Wednesday night, following inspections and reports from the health, animal control, planning and fire departments.

The permit authorizes the applicant, Britney Morris, to keep four pet French bulldogs at her residence. Planning Director Lee Pollard and Health Director Lisa Sanders told the committee that their offices found the home and yard clean, that dogs had access to food and water, and that no neighborhood complaints were on file for the property at the time of inspection.

The permit drew limited public comment in support. Clark, a resident who spoke at the meeting, said, “If she's gonna pay her taxes and support the city, let her have the kennel.” Andrea Theriault, who lives nearby, told the subcommittee, “The dogs are excellent. We never hear them.”

Animal control officer Thomas J. O'Connor (T.J. O'Connor) said his office conducted a preliminary inspection at the board of health's request and completed a checklist confirming humane housing and adequate exercise space. O'Connor said the applicant had originally applied for four dogs but asked about permitting up to eight (he described the next licensing tier as “10 and under”); officers documented the current number and recommended that any expansion follow the city's posting and notification rules.

Planning staff read a written recommendation supporting approval of the special permit for four dogs, provided the applicant remain in compliance with city ordinances on animal keeping and the recommendations of the health department. The building department noted a concern about potential public nuisance under city code if problems arose; the fire department indicated no concerns.

After discussion, the committee voted to approve the special permit for four dogs. The chair said the applicant may pursue a later modification or separate application if she wishes to increase the number of dogs; Planning Director Pollard advised the applicant to request a modification after the special permit is issued rather than seeking an on‑the‑spot increase because the public notice and posting had been for four dogs.

The subcommittee recorded its vote in favor; that approval will be forwarded to the full City Council for final action at its August 5 meeting.

The committee emphasized that any future increase beyond the four‑dog limit would require re‑notice or a modification process and could be conditioned or called in if complaints are received.

— What the committee decided: a special permit to keep four pet French bulldogs at 25 Mayflower Avenue was approved by the zoning subcommittee and will be presented to the full City Council on Aug. 5. The committee and staff noted the applicant may pursue a modification to increase the limit at a later hearing if she chooses.