Hamlin residents unhappy with kennel A conditional special use permit issued by the Hamlin Planning Board to Harry Bower has some of his neighbors on Church Road howling mad. The permit allows Bower and his wife, Kelly, to operate the Dogs of War dog kennel at their home at 1520 Church Road. The Bowers breed cane corsos, a type of dog with the speed of a greyhound and the strength of a rottweiler. They are commonly sold as guard dogs. The couple, who have two children, have been breeding cane corsos for five years and currently have nine dogs in their possession. Bower describes the breed as aggressive, but stable. Bower said his interest in cane corsos came from the ability to raise purebred dogs. Bower explained that many breeds of dogs have become "diluted" over time as their gene pools have been mixed. He said most of his customers purchase the dogs for protection either for a family or for a business. While the dogs are known for their intimidating physical ability, Bower said he and his wife trust the dogs with their two young children. Bower’s family may be comfortable around the cane corsos, but many families around him say they are not. In going to the town to request the permit, Bower was met by many residents who oppose his business. Conversations especially livened up at the June 3 public hearing. In spite of demonstrable public concern, the planning board voted to grant Bower a special use permit with restrictions. The restrictions are as follows: 1) Safety issues for emergency personnel must be presented, in addition a tape location map displayed showing placement of the new fence for three sided access. The design of the kennels must be approved. 2) Proof of liability insurance for property owner (Audrey Bower) and business owner (Harry Bower). Mr. Bower must provide a binder of contract as proof, immediately. 3) A copy of the new fence contract and when it will be installed. 4) Mr. Bower may keep nine adult dogs, an increase means new approval from the Dog Control Officer and Building Inspector. 5) Medical record pertaining to the dogs’ health must always be available to the Animal Control Officer. 6) A copy of the waste disposal contract and proof that it is paid and up to date. Bower has been granted 30 days, with two 30 day extensions to show that progress is being made. The conditional special use permit will be revoked if these conditions are not met. Jim Wilcox, who lives 500 feet from Bower on Church Road, was one neighbor who was disappointed with the decision. "I didn’t sleep very well the night after the meeting," said Wilcox. He is worried about the threat the dogs pose and the harm having a kennel like this one may cause to the neighborhood. "I’m concerned for my children, my wife and myself," said Wilcox, explaining that the dogs are trained to travel in packs. "If one went over the fence, I just can’t imagine what would happen." To demonstrate his concerns and the concerns of his fellow neighbors, Wilcox walked the length of the street asking all of his neighbors to sign a petition declaring their opposition to the kennel. Wilcox said every neighbor within a mile of the Bowers signed the petition. "It is just sad that taxpayers have had no voice in this matter," said Wilcox. "... and this person who is renting his property is able to do this." James Nesbitt, Planning Board member, said he understands Wilcox’s concerns, but he feels that the planning board has made the responsible decision. "It was a very tough decision," said Nesbitt. "We spent a lot of hours on this." Nesbitt said the board spent a lot of time in a work session trying to hash out every possible concern. Neighbors had complained about treatment of the dogs, noise levels at night and the type of traffic generated by this business. "From the first moment we were talking about what we could do to protect the people in the neighborhood," said Nesbitt. "The best answer was to issue a special use permit that needs to be reviewed annually." Town Supervisor Austin Warner, who lives on Martin Road not too far from Bower, said he supports the planning board’s decision. "I think that the planning board has done a good job of researching this issue," said Warner. "Now it is up to Mr. Bower to show that he is willing to work with us and with his neighbors." Bower said he feels that his business has been targeted unfairly. Bower said he accepts some of the blame as his advertising and the name of his business has not been perceived well by the local public. However, he contends that the name Dogs of War is in no way meant to be threatening, but instead is to be authentic with regards to the breed’s original purpose as protectors. In addition to the outcry at the town meeting, Bower said he is being harassed. He said the traffic on his street has increased dramatically because of the negative attention surrounding his business and he was even visited by the Humane Society recently after an anonymous tip. Even with the less than desirable attention from his neighbors, Bower said he plans to continue his work, business as usual. Bower, who sells the majority of his dogs out of state, said he is finally beginning to make a profit. He sells the dogs for between $1,200 to $1,500. Bower said he loves what he does and treats each dog as his pet. Bower said he hopes that his neighbors will now go back to their own lives and that the town will continue to support his right to operate his business. "This should be about doing what is right," said Bower. "Not just keeping everyone happy." |
