A growing neighborhood dispute in Scranton is now in the hands of a judge. The city and several residents have filed a lawsuit against a homeowner on Campbell Street, claiming his large group of dogs is creating a public nuisance.
On Tuesday, testimony was presented in Lackawanna County Court regarding the property at 421 Campbell Street. Residents, including Dawn Hafner, say homeowner John Dodge is keeping more than ten Cane Corso dogs—well over the legal limit allowed by the city.
“Dogs are like your family, so I get that, and I do feel bad. But they let this happen. I want some solace and some relief,” Hafner said.
She and other neighbors claim the dogs bark constantly, emit a strong odor, and have escaped the property multiple times, making people in the area feel unsafe. Hafner added she fears for her safety, especially when her young niece and nephew visit or when her own dogs are outside.
Assistant city solicitor Mariclare Hayes is asking the court to require Dodge to rehome all but two of the dogs. The city wants proof that the remaining animals are spayed or neutered, and it also seeks to prohibit any new dogs from being brought to the property.
In a statement to FOX56, the City of Scranton said, “The City of Scranton’s injunction aims to address serious safety and nuisance concerns at 421 Campbell Street. The defendant has kept an excessive number of large-breed dogs that have caused repeated disruptions to neighbors’ ability to peacefully enjoy their property. Additionally, these dogs have escaped the property on multiple occasions, posing a potential risk to passing motorists in a densely residential area.”
The case remains under review by Judge Mark Powell.
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