Violations place CC kennel’s county permit in jeopardy

A permit allowing a Charles City dog kennel to operate is now in jeopardy after county staff discovered several violations of the permit’s requirements during a recent on-site inspection.

Back in January 2006, the county Board of Supervisors granted a conditional use permit for Big Dog Kennel and its owner, Linda Howard, to breed and sell rottweilers at the kennel’s North Warriner Road location. Conditions spelled out in the permit included abiding by an operational procedure plan and having no violations of any laws.

During supervisors’ Oct. 28 meeting, county planner John Bragg unveiled a list of violations uncovered as a result of an Aug. 14 inspection at the kennel. Bragg said he along with county animal control supervisor Frank Bates and building official Dallas Johnson visited the site after receiving an anonymous complaint that wastewater and dog feces were being improperly disposed in a field on kennel property.

In a report to supervisors, Bragg said staff observed wastewater runoff from washing the dogs being discharged directly to the surface. Some of that water contained fecal material, he said.

Bragg also produced photos showing an electrified fence that was damaged and not working properly. Photos also showed pens inside the main kennel enclosure that were damaged and improperly maintained.

Bragg said staff researched court records and found at least four instances of judgments rendered against Howard and the kennel. Bates, meanwhile, has issued citations on two occasions for allowing dogs to run loose in violation of the county’s leash law. Also, there have been more than 30 citations for lack of dog licenses, Bragg said.

Part of the kennel’s operations plan is to have a 24-hour answering service, but that service has been discontinued due to expense, Bragg said. Kennel workers now carry cell phones, he added.

Bragg said Howard has since taken steps to repair the electrified fence and that the work has been completed. In a Sept. 30 e-mail from Howard to Bragg that was included in the report, Howard said the damaged interior pens are being rebuilt or removed. She also said plans for a septic system have been developed and work will proceed as soon as money to pay for the project becomes available.

Bragg told supervisors that a subsequent inspection revealed Howard “has done quite a bit of work” to correct matters, but he recommended that the board start a review process for renewing the kennel’s permit.

At least one supervisor was not pleased with the kennel situation. Board chairman Gilbert Smith indicated more progress is needed before he takes favorable action on a permit.

“With all these issues, there’s no way I can recommend giving them a permit,” he said. “This has been an ongoing issue since 2006. There have been promises, promises, promises and all were broke.”

The matter now heads for consideration by the county’s Planning Commission. A joint public hearing before supervisors and commission members is expected to take place during the board’s January meeting.

In other business at last week’s meeting, supervisors voted to combine their December quarterly work session and regular monthly meeting.

The December board meeting is now set for Monday, Dec. 15.