Zoners to resume hearing case of dog training facility
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

HOWELL - Testimony on an application that seeks to allow a dog training facility to remain in operation is expected to resume in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Sept. 24.

Kindred Souls Canine Center, Brown Road, is owned by Peter Campione and has been operating in Howell for seven years. The business is 15 years old and previously operated in California and Florida.

Campione is concerned that a recent decision by the Township Council which eliminates dogs from being considered as livestock could strip him of his livelihood. Because dogs are not considered livestock, the management, breeding or training of canines is illegal in the ARE (Agricultural-Residential) zone where his business is located.

Campione challenged the revision and the logic of the new definition. He said the face of agriculture is changing and it is becoming very rare to see work animals in a suburban area such as Howell.

"Horses are not plowing the fields anymore, cows are not providing milk anymore, so there is a different face in agriculture. That face now needs to include dogs," he said.

Campione said he received a summons from the township's code enforcement office and had to appear in court. He said the township has been trying to remove him from the community.

"No one from the zoning board has ever stepped foot on our property to check anything out. We have been accused of boarding dogs and opening a grooming salon," Campione said. "I have always given to this community and they are treating me like a criminal. I don't understand why they are trying to get rid of us. Why isn't somebody trying to help me stay?"

Zoning board Chairman John Van Noy said the board will study the matter. He said the council's recent action on the livestock ordinance does not necessarily pre-empt Kindred Souls from operating.

"This is an independent situation that needs to be rectified," he said.

Mayor Joseph DiBella has said the council is working on an ordinance to address the issue of dog kennels and training facilities.