Depending on the source quoted, it is said that somewhere between 200 and 400 people attended the town meeting in Gorham, NY last night.
The overwhelming turnout comes as no surprise given the town planning board’s approval of a special use permit to Martins Kennels to breed 500 dogs on a 20 acre plot of land in the town in what the Martins refer to as a wholesale breeding operation, or in layman’s terms, a puppy mill. Dozens voiced their outrage over the proposal, including area rescue volunteers who are left to ‘clean up’ when problematic dogs purchased from stores that use puppy mill suppliers are dumped by overwhelmed owners.
Gorham Supervisor Fred Lightfoote pointed out that the Planning Board’s decision would be voided because it did not receive a preliminary recommendation from the Ontario County Planning Board, a requirement under town procedure.
The application will be reconsidered by the town Planning Board pending review by the county. Lightfoote intends to ask the board to consider adopting a moratorium on dog breeding facilities, a move that could prevent the Martins’ project from becoming reality. Find petition links and learn more in an earlier article here.
