By Cynthia Scott

Fish Lake Township residents spoke a loud and clear "not welcome here" message on May 5 as the Chisago County Planning Commission heard public testimony regarding a proposed relocation of The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) to the township.

After hearing public testimony, the Commission continued its deliberations on May 9 and voted 4-2 to deny TWS's proposal.

TWS, the midwest's only accredited refuge for homeless exotic cats, is currently located on 10 acres in Athens Township in Isanti County. It has resided there since it was founded in 1999 as a refuge for unwanted and neglected privately owned wildcats. TWS sought the conditional use permit (CUP) to relocate to 45 acres in Fish Lake Township, which is located west of Harris.

The Planning Commission devoted two hours of its May 5 meeting to the issue. Nearly 100 people packed the room, and dozens of impassioned residents spoke against the proposal, citing concerns over safety, health, and negative impact on property values.

One resident whose foster home borders the proposed site said he was told by a social worker that he would have to install a fence around the entire perimeter of his 5-acre property at a cost of $30,000.

Another resident reported that her 8-year-old daughter is having nightmares about living next door to wild animals.

Several residents said they would never have built new homes had they known they might be living next to a wildlife sanctuary.
No residents spoke in favor of the proposal.

The Commission also heard from staff and board members of TWS who detailed the safety measures in place, why a relocation is sought, and why the Sanctuary exists.

Others who spoke on behalf of TWS were Lt. Cathy Hamm of the state Department of Natural Resources and Lee Ehmke, director and CEO of the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

TWS opened the hearing by summarizing the problem it seeks to address: the private ownership of exotic wildcatsótigers, cougars, lynx, bobcats and othersówho are no longer wanted or are mistreated and neglected.

TWS has a no-kill policy and provides the animals it rescues with a home for life. The Fish Lake site would hold at least 70 wildcats as opposed to the current TWS population of 20, and that proved to be one decisive factor in the Commission's decision.

Commissioner Josette Schwarz raised the issue of waste management for such a large number of animals and questioned the efficacy of TWS's plan to bag it and cart it away.

"You're talking about the Anoka Sand Plain, where contamination takes minutes to hours and that has to be dealt with. I'm very concerned about protecting the wetlands," she said.

Ultimately, however, the Commission's decision rested primarily on residents' fears for their safety and the safety of their children.
Nearly to a person, Commission members praised TWS's mission and purpose, but said Fish Lake Township, which has 40 residences located within one mile of the proposed site, is the wrong location.

"I like what you're trying to do. Your intention is good," said Commissioner Curt Flugg. "If you had come to us 10 years ago I would have said great. But with the development that has taken place, I don't like taking chances."

In contrast, County Commissioner Mike Robinson, while recognizing the problems created by private ownership of exotic animals, said, "There is a safe and cheap solution. I'm not saying it's the right one, but it is safe and cheap and it works." Robinson's reference to euthanizing the cats drew applause from many in the assembly.

The two dissenting votes came from Commissioners Jeff Schoen and Joan Barnes, who wanted to spend more time exploring the issue. Schoen said the problem of exotic pet ownership is one that society has created and ought to be addressed collectively as well.

TWS executive director Tammy Quist was resolute following the Commission's decision.

When asked what TWS will do now, she said, "The question is what is Minnesota going to do? The pet owners get to stay, the pet breeders get to stay, and I guarantee you, the second someone's pet tiger, cougar or lynx gets out, they will call me. Where will I put them if we're at capacity?

"I would hope that the people who are here are willing to spend just as much energy trying to solve the root problem."
The issue goes to the county board next week.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com