I write this to inform other small rural communities of the danger of losing the tranquil and serene surroundings we all cherish. This past week the quiet life we all love in Blanchard has been disrupted by the howling of at least 30 dogsled dogs that have moved into our town. Instead of the wind, the river, the owls and birds, we hear the dogs. In the middle of the night their howls can raise the dead. The “singing” that their owners seem to relish is nothing but a bunch of barking dogs to anyone else. Can we call in a complaint for disturbing the peace?

If we had a kennel law, we could. In Shirley they instituted a kennel ordinance after being subjected to the arrival of a dogsled pack and breeding facility. What does this do to the market value of our property? Who wants to live and hear a barking, howling dog pack all hours of the day and night? These people exploit animals for their own profit with no regard for the communities in which they base their businesses. Other towns should get the ordinance on the books before this happens to you. Debra Thibeault Blanchard