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Montgomery County defers decision on commercial kennel after public opposition and requests for more information
Summary
The Board of Supervisors continued a commercial kennel special use permit application for Jason and Nikki Cowan after multiple neighbors raised animal-welfare, noise, environmental and plan-detail concerns; the board asked for site visits and additional regulatory information before deciding.
The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors voted to continue action on a proposed two-story commercial kennel on Quince Road, delaying a final decision to allow site visits and to gather further information.
Planner Brie summarized the application, which would allow kennel operations with an upper-floor residence on an A-1 agricultural parcel and proposed operations limited to breeding, raising, training and selling dogs owned by the property owner. Staff noted a recommended cap of no more than 25 dogs and that the Planning Commission recommended approval by an 8to0 vote but that public comments at the commission included opposition.
Several neighbors spoke at the board hearing. Rhiannon Watson, a licensed veterinary technician who lives adjacent to the property, said she opposes commercial breeding on agricultural land and warned that local shelters are already full. Dr. Betsy Watson, also a neighbor, argued there is no local need and warned that business pressure can lead to reduced veterinary care and overcrowding. Audrey Meehan raised concerns about schematic plans, questioned square-foot-per-dog calculations and asked how animal waste and creek impacts would be handled.
Applicant Jason Cowan said he currently keeps 11 full-time dogs and three unsold puppies, described upgraded fencing and said family members and employees would reside on-site to monitor animals. Board members asked for more details, including USDA or federal kennel requirements, verification of existing commercial kennels in the county and environmental controls.
Supervisor King moved to continue the matter so supervisors could visit the property and receive additional answers; the motion carried on roll call with six ayes and one abstention. The board directed staff to circulate the additional information to all supervisors before the next meeting.
