Animal Rescue Fights to Keep Dogs at Shelter

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

NEWCASTLE, Oklahoma -- A Newcastle animal rescue group is hoping to stay open, but the decision is up to city planning commissioners.

The founders of RockySpot Rescue, a non-profit organization that helps abandoned dogs, will make its case on Monday night when the Newcastle Planning Commission meets to discuss the group's future.

Learn more about the RockySpot Rescue.

"It's rewarding and the people need it," said Theresa Monnard of the RockySpot Rescue. "There's so many people out there who need this."

The zoning issue of the rescue group came to light following a neighbor's complaint to city hall.

A neighbor more than a quarter of a mile away said the dogs make too much noise and has filed a number of complaints with the city. Theresa said it's why the city is suddenly looking at enforcing rules that were established years after they set up shop here.

"The Planning Commission would like to reduce our number of dogs, remove our ability to train and housebreak and possible hurt the way we help the community now," Monnard said.

Planning Commission Chariman Gordon Harness says the committee will determine if the group's "use on review" permit is in compliance with the city's zoning ordinance.

In the meantime, members of the RockySpot Rescue organization are gathering signatures on a petition to present to the commission.  

The commission was scheduled to take up the matter at Monday's meeting, but it was postponed at the request of the rescue group's attorney.

He's said he's still researching the city's laws and ordinances.