Published Tuesday, November 26, 2002
will look elsewhere
Herald Staff Writer
The Humane Society of Mercer County has decided to give up its fight to build an indoor kennel, retail shop and veterinary clinic in Farrell.
"We wanted to save the city some money," said Rick Harakal, society president. "We are a professional society. We don't want to hassle anyone. If we are not wanted in a certain neighborhood, we will just look elsewhere."
An appeal hearing had been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday before Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Thomas R. Dobson. Pentecostal House of Prayer, which is next to the proposed building site, appealed Farrell Zoning Hearing Board's permit for the building.
In its appeal, the congregation said the property was not posted with notice of the original zoning hearing, or was improperly posted. Legal notices of the hearing and its purpose were advertised in The Herald on Sept. 6 and 13.
No one came forward with complaints at the first hearing. Opponents of the zoning board's decision to allow the society to build the shelter said they were worried about the noise and smell that could be caused by an animal shelter.
"It is my understanding that since no one attended the first hearing, they really had no say," Harakal said. "As I understand it, there would have been a very good chance the judge would have thrown it out."
Harakal said he was surprised by the public outcry over the humane society's plans.
"I don't think anyone really understood what it was going to be," he said.
In a news release Monday, the humane society said its board members were "sad those residents of Farrell who opposed our shelter didn't take the time to learn what any humane society represents." The society also thanked the zoning board for its support.
Mayor Bill Morocco said he had received a hand-delivered letter from the humane society concerning its decision to take the shelter elsewhere.
"Personally, it is a disappointment," Morocco said. "Necessary safeguards could have been put into place. The shelter could have been a reason for people to buy pet supplies, take their animals to the vet and frequent the city."
Opponents of placing the animal shelter in Farrell could not be reached for comment Monday night.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com