Kennels get go-ahead

A resident moving into town from out of state recently requested a variance to install a commercial dog kennel, initiating an amendment to the existing ordinance governing animals and fowl withing Moorcroft town limits.

Ordinance 1-2024 was approved on the third reading last week to the consternation of Councilman Dale Petersen, who said, “I’m still concerned; with this ordinance, they’re still able to put a dog kennel in town. I’m concerned about the impact and what that’s going to mean for those residents in that area.”

The adjusted law describes a commercial kennel as “a business with United States IRS tax identification number, which offers breeding, buying, selling, temporary boarding of animals or training of dogs or puppies, regardless of the number of animals maintained”.

The facility must also, “whether indoor or outdoor…be kept free of feces. Waste matter will be removed from the property at a minimum of once a week”.

The modified ordinance, though, does carry a provision: “A single public hearing at the next scheduled Town of Moorcroft Council Meeting following receipt of the application”.

This codicil as well as the ability to rescind the license if the owners do not abide by these and other regulations encouraged the councilman’s vote for the revised town law despite his voiced concern.

The new Moorcroft homeowners seeking this allowance are anticipated to return to town around June.