Sudbury ZBA continues Dogtopia hearing, eyes pit bull prohibition

SUDBURY — July 11, 2022 — Sudbury ZBA signals pit bull ban as price of approval for new Dogtopia franchise. The board voted unanimously July 11 to continue Red Barn Dog Ops LLC's special permit application for a 5,350-square-foot dog daycare at 435 Boston Post Road, after Chair John Gossels said he would not vote yes without a condition prohibiting pit bull terriers and pit bull mixes, calling them "imminent dangers to the public safety." Members John Reardon and Frank Riepe agreed; attorney Josh Fox countered that local rescues place many pit bull mixes with Sudbury families. The facility would house up to 108 dogs and employ 20 to 25 people. The board also approved 4-1 a novel special permit letting Marcel Millett buy 2,390 square feet from neighbor Joan Green's nonconforming lot at 89 Butler Road, and unanimously granted 12-year-old Samantha Biggins a one-year permit for 12 backyard chickens at 6 Whitetail Lane.