Dog Kennel Owner Would Like City To Buy Property For Him

Platteville dog kennel owner Dan Winch has proposed taxpayers pay for him to relocate his facility outside of the city. Winch pitched to the Platteville Common Council this week project ideas ranging in cost from $725,000 to $3.2 million that could include the purchase or construction of a private home for Winch’s family and a dog kennel on a property outside the city limits. That is not likely to happen as City officials say financing the plan would raise taxes considerably and provide Platteville with neither property tax revenue nor job creation. Winch operates Bernese Buds from his residence in Platteville and keeps eight breeding Bernese Mountain dogs and the litters of puppies they produce. He also owns three cats and seeks to board other people’s dogs. A change in city ordinances in 2020 reclassified Winch’s operation as a business, requiring him to get a new license and an additional permit. Platteville city officials in December denied Winch the permit because his 7,533-square-foot property is incompatible with size requirements in the new ordinance. He would have to operate a facility on grounds that span at least 33,000 square feet. He has until January 31st to comply, or the city can start issuing citations. A report says Winch purchased 10.3 acres of property in the Town of Smelser for $99,000 in July 2020, but he said the property is not move-in ready.