Oxford shuts down local kennel over zoning issues

OXFORD, Mass. — The town of Oxford has told a popular kennel that it needs to shut down.

Oxford cited Laughlin Kennel for zoning violations, charging that the owners "no longer use the property as the primary use of a single family home.” The town also said the use of a "kennel" is not permitted.

“The kennel was permitted as an accessory use to a residence and now we've found out that it's not being used as a residence anymore,” said Brian Palaia, Oxford town manager

In fact, the town says it hasn't been used as a residence for five years.

In addition to the city's cease and desist order, two recent customers are saying that their dogs fell ill within days of purchase from Laughlin Kennel. 

"I got a dog with pneumonia, I got him with coccidia... and another parasite," said Sara Iacono.

"Within a matter of five, six days that he was extremely sick and wasn't sure he was going to really make it," said Shirley Tetreault.

FOX25’s Jim Morelli tried unsuccessfully to speak with the owners of Laughlin Kennels about the cease and desist order and sick dog allegations.

FOX25 spoke with Oxford's town manager about these allegations of bad conditions for the dogs kept at the kennel.

He said the town has investigated the property in that regard and could not substantiate the claims being made by animal welfare activists.

Cox Media Group