(Photo supplied by Last Chance Cat Ranch)

By David Opinko

City denies Last Chance Cat Ranch’s appeal but modifies Stop Order

Apr 14, 2022 | 2:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It was not the result a local animal rescue organization was hoping for, but one that saw the City of Lethbridge make a key concession.

The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (the Board) has made its decision on an appeal launched by the Last Chance Cat Ranch (LCCR).

The Board has denied an application to cancel the Stop Order that was issued to LCCR on February 17, 2022.

LCCR emailed a brief statement to LNN, stating that “We have just become aware that the appeal was denied. At this time, we have no response other than we are disappointed and devastated.”

The Stop Order was issued because LCCR is located in an area that is zoned for Low-Density Residential Use. The city had determined that LCCR was operating as an “Animal Care, Major” operation, despite not having the appropriate zoning.

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LCCR, along with a number of volunteers and community members, spoke at an appeal hearing on March 31, 2022, attempting to get the Stop Order overturned.

READ MORE: Last Chance Cat Ranch attempts to appeal City of Lethbridge Stop Order

Maureen Gaehring, General Manager of the City of Lethbridge Planning and Design Department, says she cannot speak to why the Board made the decision it did, but explains that members of the Board heard all of the evidence and came to what they felt was an appropriate decision.

Originally, the Stop Order mandated that LCCR was to have no more than two volunteers on site per day. This provision resulted in a passionate response from LCCR at the hearing.

Members who spoke up said that, because many of the cats they take care of have complex needs, they would essentially be forced into committing animal abuse and neglect, which would put LCCR in contravention of the Animal Protection Act.

The Board’s decision, however, amends that provision to now allow a maximum of nine volunteers in a 24-hour period and no more than three volunteers at any given time.

All other measures within the Stop Order remain in effect.

Another issue raised in the Stop Order was an “offensive odour” coming from the property. LCCR currently houses approximately 40 cats at its main location, as well as dozens more at foster homes across Lethbridge and the surrounding area.

Within 30 days of the Board’s decision, LCCR must cease all emissions of offensive odours entering neighbouring properties or provide the city with a plan to do so within 20 days.

Gaehring confirms that LCCR is already taking several steps to remedy the odour issue.

The City will conduct an inspection of LCCR’s property approximately one month from now to ensure they are following the provisions relating to the number of volunteers and the odour.

The cat rescue organization will also have 365 days to either get its current property into compliance with zoning and permits or cease to utilize the premises for “Animal Care, Major” uses.

According to Gaehring, LCCR has reached out to the city to inquire about a couple of potential new locations.

Gaehring says she was pleased to see the number of people who took part in the appeal meeting, both speaking in person and sending in written submissions. She says feedback like this goes a long way in helping the Board to reach its decision.

LCCR has the option to launch a new appeal with the Alberta Court of Appeal. LCCR has not confirmed if they are considering this option.

The Board’s full decision can be read on the City of Lethbridge website.

READ MORE: City issues Stop Order to Last Chance Cat Ranch, appeal to be heard

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