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Council tables commercial dog‑kennel permit after neighbors and animal‑welfare group object
Summary
A conditional-use permit request to operate a commercial Chinese Shar Pei breeding kennel at 6128 Old Myrtle Road was tabled to Feb. 18, 2026 after neighbors and PETA raised animal‑welfare, noise, proximity and emergency‑response concerns; applicant agreed to use the 90 days to work with neighbors.
Suffolk City Council voted to postpone action for 90 days on a conditional‑use permit application that would allow a commercial dog‑breeding kennel on a roughly 1.01‑acre agricultural parcel on Old Myrtle Road.
Applicant Samantha Wood, appearing on behalf of Xelliss Blue LLC, requested permission to keep and breed up to 20 adult breeding dogs (Chinese Shar Pei) and described veterinary screening, genetic testing, socialization practices and facilities improvements including a covered 60-by-26-foot carport, misting system and planned canvas sides and privacy fencing to mitigate noise and weather. Wood said her family would not permit on‑site sales and would arrange puppy pick-up at off-site locations to minimize traffic.
Opponents included a representative from PETA who said the resubmitted application did not address animal‑welfare concerns and cited low veterinary expenditures in the applicant’s records; adjacent residents raised noise, odor, proximity to homes (one neighbor estimated ~75 feet), emergency‑response doubts and past incidents cited in media coverage. "We urge you to deny Xelliss Blue's application for a conditional use permit to operate a commercial kennel," PETA representative Rachel Bellas said.
Council members expressed sympathy for neighbors’ concerns and questioned whether the applicant’s emergency procedures, staffing and veterinary care commitments were adequate. Several councilors suggested reducing the number of breeding dogs and adding enforceable, proffered conditions. The planning commission had recommended denial (7-0) at an earlier meeting.
Councilmember Rector moved to table the matter for 90 days to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors, refine mitigation measures (fencing, canvas sides, staffing/emergency plans), and resubmit a revised application; Councilmember Williams seconded and the motion passed 8-0. The item will return to council on February 18, 2026.
