Dogs upset neighbours

Press, 29 June 1983, Page 5

Dogs upset neighbours

Up to 25 dogs boarded in kennels in Marshland Road would cause a disturbance, some neighbouring residents have told a Waimairi District Council planning hearing. The hearing concerns a restriction on the number of dogs kept at 632 Marshland Road. The objectors wanted an application to run a boarding kennel by Mrs J. E. Weller, to be denied. The property was used by previous owners to house up to 18 greyhounds. Its new owners, the Wellers, wish to improve kennel facilities and accept all breeds. The hearing committee, with Cr I. Calvert as commissioner, reserved its decision on the application. It received eight objections, representing 14 people. Most of the objectors said that noise from the greyhounds had been intolerable and disruptive. They were concerned that the new kennels would generate as much, or more, noise. Effluent disposal and security was also a worry. Mrs Weller said that she had worked and bred dogs as a hobby for 12 years and had owned four King Charles spaniels. The dogs she boarded would come

from friends of dog club contacts. For two years she had run a kennel for up to 30 dogs at Oxford. To combat noise from dogs which would not settle, Mrs Weller said that she planned to fully insulate a shed for four animals. Effluent disposal would be improved. Mrs Weller said she was “amazed” at the concern of some neighbours. Her own bedroom was closer to the kennels and she was not bothered by continual barking. Mr H. Wilkinson, a Marshland Road resident, asked why another kennel was needed when there were already “three within one mile.” He opposed the application, but asked the council to impose insulation of the kennels as a condition if it was approved. Mr J. B. and Mrs K. B. Clark, also of Marshland Road, said that in the past they had been forced to close windows on hot summer evenings to block noise from the greyhounds. They said that since the Wellers took over the property they had been disturbed by barking on a number of occasions, but only once been woken up.