Updates as of April 2023:
We are STILL waiting for the county to decide how they plan to revise the dog and cat kennel ordinance that according to the county would require that we
1. Have 15 Agriculturally zoned acres
2. Be "Licensed" - There is no licensing requirement for Animal Welfare organizations required within TN State Law. The Only Licensing that is mentioned in the TCA Code that the County References is that required of Dog and Cat Dealers (which we are not by definition in TN LAW)
We maintain that this ordinance as it is written DOES not and DID NOT apply to Smith County Humane.
As it stands, because of the "wording" used in our zoning ordinances, and the discrepancy of the Dog and Cat Kennel ordinance, we are in a holding pattern UNLESS we can find a building within the city limits of Carthage, South Carthage, or Gordonsville that would be within their zoning allowances.
All donations that have been marked restricted for shelter by donors is STILL sitting in an interest bearing account while we are working on finding an alternative location.
WE STILL 100% believe the Hwy 25 location would have been the best option for a shelter in this county, it would have been centrally located for all the residents of the county to be able to access easily. It would HAVE NOT been the nuisance that some neighbors have said it would be especially considering there were ZERO complaints on record with the planning commission in regards to violations at the property previously when it was used as a PRIVATE Dog facility.
We are still working on options, but our hands are limited to what is available on the market, what we as an organization can afford, AND ALL THE hoops and obstacles with zoning that lie in the way. We believe that our organization should be able to have their physical location anywhere else a business is allowed, unfortunately elected officials do not necessarily agree, so we sit in wait, and continue to look at options that come available in the city jurisdictions that may be an option.
Help SPREAD THE WORD! Download and Email or Print a PDF Presentation or ASK Letter and share with those you know! BOTH INCLUDE A PLEDGE FORM for those who can't make a donation today but want to PLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT!
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ANY SHELTER OBTAINED WILL OPERATE WITH A FOCUS ON THE GOLD STANDARD FIVE FREEDOMS FOR ALL ANIMALS along with the 6TH FREEDOM.
6TH FREEDOM: THE FREEDOM TO LIVE and THE FREEDOM FROM PREMATURE END OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS WHO ARE NOT TERMINALLY ILL OR DANGEROUS by finding adoptive homes for all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats.
BUSINESSES..We have sponsorship opportunities available! Please contact shenia@smithcountytnhumane.com to set up a meeting to discuss how your business can help make a shelter a reality for Smith County!