A dog kennel operation is causing outrage in Amherstburg.
Neighbours say Elite K9K on Concession 6 North continues to expand and operate without any permits from the town.
Several residents brought the issue to council Monday night raising concerns over noise, safety and the breeds of dogs on the property.
Councillor Jason Lavigne says the town has stepped in and the owner of the kennel has agreed to put a halt to business until proper zoning and permits are in place.
Lavigne says he was surprised to learn about the size of the operation.
"Kudos to somebody who has that investment into a business and wants to make it successful. We support that. We don't support going outside of the proper channels and doing it. So, that being said, if he comes back and he dots his I's and he crosses he T's, then we wholeheartedly support it and wish him all the luck in the future."
Elite K9K in Amherstburg (Photo courtesy of Elite K9K via Facebook)
He says rules and regulations are in place to avoid situations like this.
"It's difficult when you see a business show up that you had no idea was operating in your municipality. We do have procedures and checks and balances in place for a reason. If we all decided to go out and do our own thing without following permits, guidelines, laws the system is going to crumble pretty quick."
Lavigne says it's now up to the owner of the property to decide where to go next.
"From here on in it's on the owner of the property and whatever he decides is in his best interests. If he wants to continue down the path of trying to get it open as a business and a kennel, that's his right. At this point, it doesn't fit into the bylaw. We'd have to make an exception. So that'll be determined by council at a later date."
On its Facebook page, Elite K9K is described as "The ultimate destination for all your dog needs" including breeding, training, boarding and food.
Elite K9K has proposed a plan to add a 7,300-square-foot warehouse to the property as well — that is yet to get approval.