A proposed site for an eight-stall, city-owned Dog Kennel was unanimously rejected by the Newton City Council during a special meeting yesterday. City staff proposed a site along the drive to the city-owned Westwood Golf Course. A dog park is already located along the drive, and the proposed kennel site was just north of that. At-Large Councilman Joel Mills strongly objected to the location, because it could impact future use of the site.

“I adamantly do not want a dog kennel near some growth opportunities for our golf course after we have a new bonded and voter approved clubhouse. I don’t think that’s a very pragmatic solution.”

The first site Newton City staff proposed for the kennel was city owned property at 707 West 9th Street North. The property was a landfill for Maytag, and nearby residents objected to the kennel being placed there due to noise and soil contamination concerns. The city has already purchased a modular kennel that City Administrator Matt Muckler says is due to arrive November 14th. With the site selection delay, Muckler expects the City to spend an additional $80,000 dollars on outside animal control services fees and expenses related to storing and moving the kennel. City staff will continue to evaluate possible sites, and is to bring that information to the city council during their next regular meeting November 4th.