Andover council to decide on Barks ‘N’ Bubbles near a cat cafe Feb 20. Concerns raised about noise and animal welfare.
The council planners actually suggest approving it. Andover Town Council agrees with this idea. This is after lots of discussion.
People are worried about the cat cafe. The groomer’s owner said animals can coexist. Barks ‘N’ Bubbles will run the grooming place.
The cat cafe owner, Stuart Waue, objects strongly. He says his cafe draws cat fans nationwide. Dogs could cause problems, Stuart thinks. He worries about noise and dog waste.
He thinks dogs might upset the cats. The plan is to change the building’s classification. It would switch from nail salon to dog grooming. There won’t be any building changes.
The council got a lot of feedback. Three people wrote objections. Forty-two people sent letters supporting. The council says the plan follows local rules.
Only a few dogs will be there at once. Three dogs max, all from one family, will be allowed. Grooming will be by appointment. Owners must arrive on time. Dogs won’t stay overnight.
The council looked at noise concerns closely. A walkway separates the buildings. They share no inside wall. Barking shouldn’t bother the cats. The center already has dogs, council members noted. The area has parks nearby too. So, dog waste shouldn’t be an issue.