After taking steps to reduce noise, a dog breeding facility north of Dolores was granted a commercial permit by Montezuma County commissioners.

Rocky Mountain Malamutes operates on a 12-acre ranch on Granath Mesa. The business raises, breeds and sells Alaskan malamutes and has about 20 on-site.

After neighbors complained about dogs barking and howling, owners Jared Hansen and Karen Becker took steps to mitigate noise.

From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., the dogs will be moved into kennels in a remodeled barn on the property. Also, 90 trees were planted as a barrier to reduce winds that carry sound.

“We will continue to make modifications to reduce noise,” Hansen said.

Property owners adjusted the subdivision’s covenants to allow for the business.

Since 2012, the county has had a law that attempts to regulate habitually barking dogs that disturb neighbors. It includes fines.

Sheriff Steve Nowlin said the ordinance could be enforced if complaints continued.

But the commissioners said the business complies with the county’s land use code, and they granted the commercial permit on a 3-0 vote.

“I can see you’re working in the right direction and have been cognizant about doing what you can to mitigate noise nuisance,” said commissioner Keenan Ertel. “Continue to work at it.”

The facility is licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Colorado Department of Agriculture, American Kennel Club and Pet Animal Care Facilities Act program.

parmijo@durangoherald.com