By Karen Menczer | Executive Directive, Animal-Kind International
I've mentoined in previous updates that development plans at the USPCA's new site are on hold due to the renewed National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) focus on wetland protection. Also, in the updated Environmental Protection Act, developments that will house more than 50 dogs require a "Project Brief," essentially a mini-Environmental Impact Assessment.
One of the requirements is that the Project Brief must be prepared by a Team Leader who is registered with NEMA. We've identified a local, NEMA-registered EIA Practitioner, who has agreed to work with us on the Project Brief at a very reasonable cost.
However (there always seems to be a "however"), the process to get the land registered under a USPCA Trust (legal advice was to register the land separately under a Trust with a governing body of Trustees) is hampering our progress. All the legal paperwork must be in place prior to submitting our environmental documentation to NEMA.
But the good news is that as of now, 50 dogs are enjoying the new USPCA premises. They have free run of the large grounds-enclosed by a fence built with funds raised as part of this GlobalGiving project. Their kennels are open during the day so that they can enjoy time with other dogs, or, if they choose, go to their kennel and if they are really tired or shy, into the dog house in their kennel.
But most decide they want to explore, play, and enjoy the green grass and natural environment at the new shelter....and then just collapse in exhaustion wherever they may be at the time.
Although it's impossible to say excactly when we expect to be able to move all dogs and cats to the new site, we are trying to work quickly and diligently within the confines of the system....which we have no choice, but to comply with, of course.
We all wish that all 300 dogs could enjoy the new site--and it is beyond time for that to happen. But for now, we are grateful that these 50 dogs are having the times of their lives. And we will do everything possible to get through these procedures so that we can start building again and move all cats and dogs over.
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