FARMINGTON — The owner of a Farmington pet-grooming business faces court action because the town alleges he violated a consent agreement to abide by town ordinances.
Richard Faeth, owner of Stillwater Pet Grooming, was given a permit to operate the business at 118 Fairbanks Road in 2005 by Farmington Code Enforcement Officer J. Stevens Kaiser. But the town Planning Board denied a request that
year for a boarding kennel because the home is within the village
residential district where kennels are not permitted.
Faeth signed the agreement in July but now could face fines for violating zoning and animal-control ordinances.
Animal Control Officer Wayne Atwood and Kaiser have both received complaints about dogs being boarded and excessive barking at the residence, according to court records.
“It’s been an ongoing issue,” Kaiser said Thursday. “We try to work
together and figure something out so as not to be at odds but this is
why we have zoning.”
A home occupation can be considered a nuisance when it disturbs neighbors, Kaiser said.
Through secondhand information, Kaiser said he learned of local people who board their dogs at the facility when they are away. In addition, an employee, who after chasing an escaped dog, told a bystander that the dog often escapes when it is boarded there, the records state.
Faeth was taken to court earlier this fall on a charge of disturbing the peace based on barking complaints. The animal control officer found four dogs boarded at the home at that time leading Kaiser to tell Faeth in early September that he was in violation of the consent agreement.
An attempt to reach Faeth for comment was unsuccessful.
The town is seeking fines for the violations, removal of the dogs, removal of the shelter used for boarding and reimbursement for court and attorney fees incurred by the town.
The case also includes a complaint that Faeth continues to park on the property of a south-side neighbor after being informed of the property lines.
Faeth is scheduled to appear in 12th District Court on Dec. 28.
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