The Elkhart County Board of Zoning Appeals says a local farmer can breed 64 adult dogs on his property.

It's an update to a special report we brought you last November.

Our undercover video from the Amish farm showed an estimated 100 small-breed dogs in several cages. The farmer did not have the proper kennel permit to breed that many puppies.

Thursday, the farmer's attorney presented pictures of the breeding facility to the coard, showing only one or two dogs in each cage.

Other pictures show an area in the kennel where the farmer bathes and takes care of the puppies.

Board members also saw a recently filed breeder's application with the USDA.

Based on the evidence, the board decided to grant a 3-year special use permit.

“We're basically happy,” said Loren Sloat, the breeder’s attorney. “I think the board realizes the sincerity of our client's interest with regard to raising dogs and they acknowledged that.”

“We, of course, probably would have requested a fewer number of dogs and maybe an inspection timetable set by the county in some way; but as far as what it is, we are happy with what's happened,” said Eric Durcinka of the Indiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

As part of the special use permit, the farmer must also put up another building to house some of the dogs. The board says it will check back in six months to make sure he is complying.