Local Humane Society obtains property

By Janet DelTufo, Assistant Editor

With the purchase of an acre of land near the Bar S Animal Clinic in Wickenburg’s Industrial Park, the Humane Society of Wickenburg is moving closer to its goals of becoming a full service animal care organization.

The Society expects to close escrow on the property, which sits two lots from the newly built Bar S, within the next few weeks. However, it is continuing its fundraising efforts in order to get a building constructed once it becomes an official property owner.

“We’ve been working hard on obtaining this piece of land, and the board is very happy at what it has been able to accomplish,” said Board President Marianne Swanston. “We have a need in this community to take care of these animals, and we hope to soon be doing just that.”

None of the original Humane Society board members remain active, although co-founder Natalee Rallo continues to assist the board with its Web site and other promotional materials.

With a new board formed, progress has been swift and its free spay/neuter clinics continue. The board currently consists of Swanston, Vice President and Treasurer Larry Driscoll, Secretary Marion Davidson, members Jane Boyd, Lisa Hershkowitz, Walter Blodgett, and Lewis Sowards.

Recently, the Society went in front of the Town of Wickenburg’s Technical Review Committee to show preliminary building plans. It received long-awaited words of approval from members of the town staff.

“This (a new shelter) is definitely needed,” said Police Chief Tony Melendez. “We would like for you to get this done.”

Planner Steve Boyle told the Society that he has been looking forward to this project for some time and then proceeded to let Swanston and Driscoll know where they might need to make changes before presenting a site plan to the planning staff.

The property is located in a C-3 (major street commercial) zoning district and located within the Industrial Park. A special use permit is not needed to build a shelter in that area.

The shelter is expected to house up to 20 dogs and will contain a cattery. A Southwest style exterior is required, as well as sound-proof walls. An exterior wall surrounding the outside pens will be required in order to prevent a disturbance to any of the neighbors when the dogs are outside. The dogs will only be out certain times of the day. They will remain indoors in the evenings and at night.

Conveniently located near Bar S, animals received by the Society will be able to obtain veterinary care without a several-mile vehicle transfer. Bar S is currently caring for seven dogs that would normally be with the Humane Society if it had an existing shelter.

The Society continues to take donations and it is still taking applications for free spay/neuter services. Wickenburg and surrounding communities are welcomed to fill out applications at Bar S Animal Clinic or at Wickenburg Veterinary Clinic. Interested persons can also download the application from the Society’s Web site at www.wickenburghumane.org.

For more information on the spay/neuter clinics, or on how to donate to the Humane Society, call 684-8801.

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