Calaveras Residents Sue To Close Animal Refuge
San Andreas, CA — An animal sanctuary in Calaveras County is facing legal trouble after six residents filed a lawsuit saying the refuge is in violation its county permit conditions.
The plaintiffs are asking county officials to close down the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary until a full environmental study can be done.
Local residents say the sanctuary encroaches upon a 100-foot buffer zone on the Calaveras River. The suit also contends the facility´s fencing doesn´t meet federal standards and allows exotic animals to mingle with the native wildlife.
The Board of Supervisors ruled against a similar request in December, prompting critics to contend that the sanctuary is receiving preferential treatment from the county.
The county says the sanctuary has complied with the conditions of its permit.
