Bill Could Prevent Kennel Construction Near Schools

Governor Brad Henry has until the end of the week to act on a bill that prevents dog kennels from operating near schools and day cares. The measure was prompted by complaints by a group of Nuns who want to prevent a pit bull kennel from operating next to the school.

There are some pet owners in Tulsa who worry the measure will have a lot of negative unintended consequences.

News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports Senate Bill 1754 passed both the house and senate and is on Governor Brad Henry's desk. Some don't think it's a move in the right direction.

Senate Bill 1754 prohibits a kennel from operating within 2,500 feet of a public or private school or a day care facility.

The bill was written after a kennel with 25 pit bulls, was built near a catholic school in Moore.

"I'm not against pit bulls.  I'm just against any type of dangerous dog that would be in the proximity of the school or daycare," said Sister Veronica Higgins.

The measure doesn't apply to any current kennels that have already met licensing and zoning requirements, but would apply to any future kennels.

The restriction is limited to cities with more than 300,000 people, so that means it only applies to Tulsa and Oklahoma City, but many people have a problem with the way the bill is worded.

Lawanna Smith works at Pooches Dog Care near 51st and Lewis. The business provides day care for dogs, training and grooming. Smith worries the measure could have unintended consequences.

"I think that having a law like this would affect anyone, groomers, day cares, any training facilities.  Could all be penalized by this," said Smith.

Smith fears the measure is too broad because it applies to any location where more than four dogs are kept, harbored, boarded, sheltered or bred. And that could affect the industry.

"It's hard enough to find space to put in a dog related business.  And now you're being severely restricted again by something else," said Smith.

Smith says the measure needs to be clarified and could be a problem for expansion or new business creation.

"I would absolutely hope that we could have it amended, we are intending to communicate with the Governor to see what we can do," said Smith.

Governor Henry is expected to sign the bill. He has until the end of next week to act on the legislation.