Pembroke board approves kennel permit for livestock-guardian dogs with seven-dog limit

The Town of Pembroke Planning Board voted 4–3 on July 24 to approve a special use permit for Stacy Steiner to keep livestock-guardian dogs at 274 Main Road, imposing a condition that no more than seven dogs over six months old be kept on the property.

Steiner told the board she keeps seven licensed Anatolian Shepherds to protect livestock — goats, chickens and ducks — and said the dogs are "always outside to protect livestock," that they run in pairs in two pastures and that the property is enclosed by electrified fencing. She said she has purchased bark collars to reduce nighttime barking and that her house on the parcel is not yet completed.

Neighbors and two written letters raised concerns that dogs were left outside and barked incessantly, and one resident said dogs had entered neighboring yards. Chairman David Knupfer and County referral materials noted the town’s agricultural character and recommended the board set a clear maximum number of dogs in any approval. The County also advised completion of Part 1 of the EAF.

The board first approved a negative declaration under SEQR on a unanimous roll call, then voted to approve the special use permit with the seven-dog limit. The motion to approve the permit was made by Kyle Wruck and seconded by David Knupfer. The conditional approval requires the applicant to comply with the EAF documentation and any listed conditions.

Board members emphasized that enforcement of barking and trespass complaints would follow standard complaint procedures (residents were advised to document complaints for law enforcement and county dog control), and that the Planning Board itself does not directly enforce animal-control nuisances.