by Scranton Neighbors Clash Over Large Pack of Cane Corsos in Residential Area
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WOLF) — A quiet Scranton neighborhood has been stirred up — not by crime, but by dogs. Residents on one block are voicing concerns over a neighbor allegedly keeping too many Cane Corsos, creating what they say is a growing safety and health issue.
Dawn Hafner, who lives next door, says the dogs bark constantly, the smell is overwhelming, and several have even gotten loose before. She’s worried for her family’s safety — and her peace of mind.
“It’s beyond inconvenient. I’m genuinely uncomfortable — for my kids and my dogs,” Hafner told FOX56. “I babysit my niece and nephews who are seven, six, and two. Their dad’s already hesitant about bringing them over — and I don’t blame him.”
Hafner claims the problem has only gotten worse.
“It’s not even summer yet, and the smell of urine and feces is awful,” she said. “They’re peeing all over the deck and the house. I even have videos of the dogs fighting.”
She emphasized that her frustration isn’t with the dogs themselves.
“I feel bad for them. They’re not outside for up to 36 hours at a time. The backyard — where there used to be a pool — is now just a muddy swamp they run through.”
According to Scranton city regulations, residential properties under one acre can have no more than six dogs over three months old. Hafner believes there have been 18 or more dogs at the neighboring house since February 2023.
John Dodge, the neighbor in question, says he currently owns five Cane Corsos, all around three years old, and is in the process of rehoming others.
“I’ll be honest — our dogs are well cared for,” Dodge said. “They’re fed better than I am — kibble mixed with steak, chicken, and turkey.”
Despite the large number and size of the dogs, Dodge insists he and his wife are in full control.
“They get along fine. People say these dogs are hard to manage, but we’ve got it covered. Dogs bark, they play, they fight sometimes — that’s normal.”
When asked how many dogs are being rehomed, Dodge responded: “We’re trying to rehome — I don’t know the exact number — maybe six or seven on top of the five we have.”
He declined to show the dogs on camera but claimed they’re up to date on vaccinations and have had no health issues.
FOX56 reached out to Scranton’s Code Enforcement Office to see if any citations or actions have been taken, but has yet to receive a response.
Both Hafner and Dodge say they’ve taken formal steps to address the situation, but for now, the dispute — and the barking — continues.
