KENT CO., DE- The Kent County Levy Court voted 5-1, with one commissioner abstaining, to approve a zoning change allowing the First State Animal Center and SPCA to establish an animal sanctuary near Hartly.
John Parana, Executive Director of First State Animal Center and SPCA, expressed gratitude for the decision.
"I really want to thank the commissioners for listening and actually hearing the people, hearing us, and actually seeing our proposal on paper."
Supporters of the project, like Kent County resident Aubrey Masten, argue that the sanctuary will provide much-needed care for abused animals.
“I feel like it’s a good thing because the smaller SPCAs can’t house the larger animals that need the care."
However, some neighbors, like Sharon Geyer, raised concerns during the public comment session.
“The noise is going to be all day, every day. And safety too. If one of those dogs gets out and if it’s an aggressive animal."
Commissioner Paul Hertz also voiced concerns and proposed an amendment to cap the number of dogs at 10 out of the 20 permitted animals on the site.
The amendment failed to pass with four votes against, two in favor, and one abstention.
Geyer said she feels a limit on the number of dogs would have eased some of her concerns, but without it, she remains opposed.
“I wish more would have voted for the ten-dog limit. But they decided that they could have as many dogs as they wanted."
Despite mixed reactions, the SPCA’s mission has inspired individuals like Masten to volunteer and get involved.
“I’m excited to volunteer and see how much they’ve helped the animals from start to finish."
The First State Animal Center and SPCA estimate it will cost approximately $250,000 to upgrade the facility to comply with county standards.
They plan to launch a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds to open the sanctuary in Hartly.