Controversy over Wicomico County kennel bill

WICOMICO CO., Md. – An amendment to a bill in Wicomico County concerning canines and where they should be housed is stirring controversy.

The amendment to Legislative Bill 2025-01 requires that, within three years, all kennel facilities in Wicomico County ensure their dog runs are located no less than 1,000 feet from an existing residential dwelling on another parcel.

County Executive Julie Giordano said approved legislation would put existing Wicomico County kennel owners out of business.

“From the property line of the kennel, there would have to be 1,000 feet before any other property,” said Giordano. “Right now, every single kennel has a neighbor within that 1,000 feet and so they would be out of compliance.”

Giordano said she is planning to veto the bill after an upcoming County Council meeting on February 18.

She is encouraging kennel owners to voice their concerns at that meeting.

“It’s really impractical and I feel that it’s really excessive, it definitely was a knee-jerk reaction,” said Giordano. “They should have kept with the planning and zoning recommendation of 200 feet.”

County Council President John T. Cannon sees Giordano’s concern differently.

“I think its emblematic of irresponsible and immature governance by an angry and emotional executive who really prefers dramatic press releases and Facebook posts as opposed to basic one on one communication with the County Council,” said Cannon.

Cannon said they passed the legislation not only with the blessing of the county attorney, but with Giordano’s staff in the room.

“The Council didn’t choose this piece of legislation just to be anti-business or find fault with any kennels throughout the county,” he said, “we specifically had one kennel that we felt was being very challenging as far as how they were operating in Wicomico County.”

Cannon adds that Council may reconsider the distance in the future.

Giordano is encouraging kennel owners to voice their concerns at the upcoming County Council meeting.

That will be held February 18 at 10 a.m. in the County Council Chambers.