Board defers kennel request at 5047 Seymour Hollow Road after neighbors raise leash, trespass and safety concerns

The Board of Zoning Appeals deferred a special‑exception request from Mohammed Qureshi to operate kennel‑type housing and support for working canines at his Whites Creek property at 5047 Seymour Hollow Road following extensive public opposition describing off‑leash dogs, alleged charging incidents, and neighborhood safety concerns.

Zoning staff read the kennel code definition and conditions from section 17‑16‑175 and explained minimum distances and run/fence requirements. Applicant Mohammed Qureshi, a retired law enforcement officer who described prior canine work, said the facility would house trained detection dogs used for explosive and narcotics detection and that most training occurs off‑site; he provided hand‑drawn plans and said he would send more formal drawings and fencing details to staff.

Neighbors presented detailed testimony alleging multiple incidents of dogs off leash on private property and on the public road, including one account in which a resident said he drew a firearm after being charged by dogs. Several residents said they had reported the activity to Metro Animal Control and said they had stopped walking on the road because of fear. One adjacent landowner testified in support of the applicant and said he had granted access to his property for training.

Board discussion acknowledged that not all neighbor complaints fall within the board’s zoning review, but members said the videotaped and in‑person accounts of off‑property activity were closely related to the kennel request and needed to be addressed. Members asked the applicant for a more detailed, dimensioned plan for enclosed runs and fencing (including height and escape‑proof details) and suggested the applicant consult Metro Animal Control and Metro Stormwater as appropriate. The board voted 4‑0 to defer to a future meeting and directed the applicant to submit a more detailed site and fencing plan in advance.