North Hall pit bull rescue plans uncertain after planning commission decision

Some said they feared pitbulls would be more aggressive than most dogs and pose a threat to the safety of neighbors’ pets and farm animals. Flatt said he was not happy with the current condition of the property and will work to secure it with better fences, locks and areas for dogs to play and exercise . Someone would be at the property 24 hours a day, Flatt said, and no dogs would be left outside unattended or left out overnight.

Four speakers from Paulding County, where the rescue has its current facility, spoke in favor of the request, and Paulding Commission Chairman Dave Carmichael wrote a letter to the Hall County Planning Commission l ‘encouraging to accept the plans.

“I hold Mr. Flatt in high regard and I have no doubts that his contributions will be valuable to your citizens,” Carmichael wrote.

Flatt has previously been allowed to rezone 46 acres of land in Paulding County for a new rescue facility, prompting some residents to ask why he wanted to move to Hall County. He said it was much cheaper for him to use the property on Will Wheeler Road as most of the facilities they need are already built. The project would cost around $ 2.5 million, he said.

“I know there is stigma (about pit bulls) out there,” Flatt said. “I know I have to be on my A-game. I have to be responsible. I have to keep my dogs safe; I must ensure the safety of my community.

Commissioners were divided over the vote, with Stan Hunt calling it one of his toughest decisions yet.

“I understand the stigma isn’t necessarily right,” Hunt said. “But I also understand the reality of the stigma and the peace of mind of residents, and that’s what I’m up against.”

In the end, the committee voted 3-1 to recommend that the request be rejected with Chairman Chris Braswell as the only dissenting vote and Commissioner Johnny Varner not present at the meeting.

Flatt told The Times on Tuesday, September 21, that he would regroup with his board of directors and see if it was worth pursuing the request. They could decide to stay in Paulding County, he said.

The request is expected to go to the Hall County Board of Commissioners for a final decision on October 14.