By JESSE GRAHAM
A MACCLESFIELD man has won the right to use his property as a dog breeding facility, after heated debate filled the council chambers last week.
The application came before the council at its 24 June meeting, and proposed allowing Macclesfield’s Marak Nieczyporuk-Kiryczenko to use his property as an animal keeping premises with up to 26 animals.
Residents were divided in their opinion, with 10 objections filed against the proposal, arguing that the owner’s dogs posed a threat to local wildlife.
Objector, Michael Riethof said residents had experienced trouble in the past with the owner’s dogs escaping, and that he feared for his livestock if the dogs were to escape.
However, Marta Neiczyporuk, who represented Mr Nieczyporuk-Kiryczenko said the French Mastiff dogs did not pose a threat to animals, but would be contained on the property.
Two petitions were signed in regards to the application – a 12-signature petition in favour of the application and one with 38 signatures against.
Councillors were also divided on the application, with the vote on the matter split straight down the middle. Mayor Fiona McAllister’s casting vote right swung in favour of Mr Nieczyporuk-Kiryczenko.
Cr Jason Callanan said the site, which is on Green Wedge land, was suitable for dog breeding, and that strict permit conditions would aim to reduce impacts to surrounding residents.
Cr Terry Avery, meanwhile, was opposed to the permit being issued and said the owner had been subject to multiple non-compliance issues in regards to his dogs escaping and roaming.
This was countered by Cr Callanan, who said that the conditions on the permit would encourage Mr Nieczyporuk-Kiryczenko to toe the line and to adhere to the council’s laws.
The council’s report states that the site will only house 13 adult dogs and 13 puppies at any one time, with nine fertile female dogs the maximum allowed at any time.
Councillors Jason Callanan, Maria McCarthy, Fiona McAllister and Jim Child voted in favour of the applicant, while Len Cox, Noel Cliff, Andy Witlox and Terry Avery were opposed.
