The Newton City Council has unanimously accepted Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess’ recommended site for a new dog kennel that was recently purchased. Parkview Animal Hospital has housed animals for the City of Newton for many years, but the business is terminating their agreement with the city on October 15th. During last night’s Council meeting, a vacant city-owned lot at 707 West 9th Street North was chosen as the location for the new city kennel. City Administrator Matt Muckler says the property is zoned agricultural, and is over 200-feet away from the closest residence. According to Muckler, all of the other animal control facilities in Jasper county are well within 150 feet of a residence.

“We are going to be the one that’s the farthest away if we adopt this.”

This property is the old Maytag landfill site. Police Chief Burdess said the lot is the least challenging and most cost-effective option for the City. Council members approved the purchase of an $84,831,, eight stall commercial modular kennel from Backyard Escapes of Pocomoke City Maryland on September 25th. Chief Burdess has said this new facility could be operational in a month. Burdess has also said Parkview Animal Hospital has offered to continue to house animals for the on a non-contractual basis after October 15th at a higher fee.