[ragdolldude]

Yesterday, I had visited my local planning department of my local building code agency. I showed them my letter of authorization to operate a cattery and raise cats in my locaton from 1979. They looked up regulations, and told me that in 1987 that regulations had been changed and that any "permissions" granted on licensure prior to that time would be given a 20 year time frame to phase out. But I never got that notice of the law change. I've paid my licensure fee of around $200 per year since 1981, with no verbal or written notice of this 20 year law ruling. So, 20 years since 1987 makes 2007 as my last year for a license. Even though the inspecting parties from the Animal Control agency came out for at least 3 inspections last year, I was never informed of my phase out time limit. I asked about a variance to this zoning stipulation. I was truly shocked when they told me it would take $10,000 in fees that had to be paid in order to try to get a variance. Then, they proceeded to tell me that even after the $10,000 was paid, a public hearing would be involved, and there was no guarantee that a variance would be given. That kind of ruined my day yesterday. Today, I'll try to contact the licensing board to see if I can be given more than 30 days to place the bulk of my cats. Placing all of these cats is a difficult task, and it would have been easier done if I had notice many months ago. I now have mom kittens with litters a few days old, and other pregnant cats, as I was unaware of this time limit on my license expiration. I got a bill for a new license, paid it, they cashed the check. Now they tell me they will issue a refund on my check and terminate my license. Just another "black cloud" over my current time in life. BTW, my granddaughter seems to be doing somewhat better under consueling in a locked facility. She may come home today or tomorrow. DAVE

[beckamarie]

awwwww Dave I am so sorry

[Queenofthenile]

(((HUGS))) I too am sorry.

[amina6ae]

Dave, isn't there something you can do like an appeal????

It just isn't fair to you or especially the poor cats!!!!!!!!!

Glad your g-daughter is safe & getting better.

Keep us posteed!!!

LOL,

[greensgirl19]

I'm sorry, Dave. The whole situation is sad and awful.

I'm glad your granddaughter is doing better.

[kiwi-leelee77]

oh gosh Dave. BIG HUGS. I hope you cats find nice safe homes. That seems awfully fishy.... surely you have rights? They shouldnt just be able to do this to you. Can you see someone higher up? Good Luck with it all.

Very glad to see your grand daughter is safe and getting the help she needs. I wish her all the very best.

[DocSanae]

I am sorry to hear how it is going about your cats.

Glad to know that your grand daughter is getting the care she needs.

[Spikey1341]

Dave go to the local newspaper or if you have a tv station that investigates things like this. They may be able to buy you some time. Especially with the added stress of your granddaughter. Or try to find a building where you can house your cattery. I know that will cost money but you would be able to keep your business. Call the local Humane Society and see if they can't help you out with getting the extension.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[ragdolldude]

This is government bueracracy (sp?) at it's best. No warning of impending licensure expiration, written or oral over the past years--only a phone call last Saturday. Yes, we temporarily thought about another property. But real estate is not selling well in my area. Houses that have been for sale for months, without selling. Real estate in my area has also been devalued a lot. I don't know how much exactly. I just had my home appraised for a refinance yesterday, as I have one of those stupid ARM loans ready to go up $300-400 a month. I'll find out in a couple of days what the new value is. I started a refi a few months ago, and the value of the home then was about $565,000. Local newpapers lately stated that most real estate had been devalued 15 to 30% in the past few months--as the "comps" in the area have decreased from those desperate to sell their homes. I know of one repo down the street from me, that would have sold last year for over $500K, is now priced at $335K. Another home down the street where an elderdy lady had to leave, has been on the market for $380K for almost a year--it had a sold sign on it last month--now the sign is down, as the home owner must not have qualified. So selling my property to get to a larger property isn't the answer, especially due to the short time mandate. I did have an offer from a breeder who bought 5 breeding cats from me 2 years ago. She does have 20 acres about 45 minutes from me. I told her to think about what she could do exactly, and let me know if a few days. This may resolve part of my problem but not all of it. This other breeder may be able to house 6, 12, 16...I don't know exactly yet. It was a kind offer, and I told her to consider what she thought fair for doing this kind act. I'll post if something materializes of this offer. For now, I'm selling a few kittens, have had a few offers on some cats, but no sales on adults. Hopefully, some of the adult breeders can be placed in the coming 3 weeks or so, or I don't know what to predict. Lauren came home yesterday, and today I have to phone for counseling appointments, and other appointments. I also have to check with her school, as the school "dropped her" from their roles. So I'm trying to see if she can retain any credits from her second semester of her junior year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she can retain most of her credits, or she won't graduate next year. DAVE

[amina6ae]

Thanks For The Update Dave...
I'm Still Thinking & Praying For You, Your G- Daughter & Cats!!!

Lol,