No sanctuary here: Animal rescue operation faces threat of closure after permit denied
CTV
A Wheatland County sanctuary that cares for abandoned and surrendered farm animals faces an uncertain future after having a permit application to keep operating denied.
A Wheatland County sanctuary that cares for abandoned and surrendered farm animals faces an uncertain future after having a permit application to keep operating denied.
"It is very disheartening. It's very discouraging," said Jeannette Madill, Alice Sanctuary founder.
"That's actually quite destructive. And it's something that I think will determine what it feels like, living out here."
A recent string of complaints about parking and traffic caused by volunteers and the occasional tour group sparked the need for a business permit application.
Madill was originally told by the county to apply for a rezoning, but was later advised by county officials to simply apply for a home-based business (type 3) permit.
She requested the permit, asking for 14 summer tours and two events annually over a two-year period.
On March 14, the county's development board denied the application, and added a clause preventing her from having volunteers on site as well.
