Sprawl sparked kennel brawl’

By Shaun Inguanzo
ABBA Boarding Kennels and Cattery has defended its decision to move out of Keysborough’s dog buffer zone and into land in Bangholme.
Residents objecting to development of land at 70 McMahens Road in Bangholme this week erected a sign near the property that reads “Don’t send Bangholme to the dogs – Abba’s not welcome!”.
But Abba Boarding Kennels and Cattery owner Dennis Cleghorn said the application to move to the site was a response to the ‘urban sprawl’ spreading south of Cheltenham Road in Keysborough.
Mr Cleghorn said the move would also allow the kennel to build on a site without a 500-metre dog buffer zone, by using the latest in kennel technology to cut out noise pollution.
“The main reason for the (move) is the nature of the kennel here is old technology.
“Whereas we did a very extensive trip to the United States last year to look at new methods and ideas,” he said.
“It is our belief that our future lies in a different type of kennel.”
Mr Cleghorn said he was not worried about the sign, and understood that people would object to change. “I can understand people’s views, we’re talking about a fairly emotional situation,” he said.
Bangholme resident and president of the Dandenong Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, Alan Hood, said about 40 concerned residents met two weeks ago to oppose the lack of a dog buffer zone.