Rescue(Tia Torres) proposed at Old West Ranch

[michele5611]

www.tehachapinews.com/content/pit-bull-rescue-proposed-old-west-ranch/33490

The Kern County Planning Commission will hold a hearing on Thurs., Mar. 10, 2011, at 7 p.m. on the request by Tia Maria Torres for a Conditional Use Permit for an animal shelter at Old West Ranch that will house a maximum of 100 dogs.

The location of the kennel, which neighbors say already is functioning, is 17000 Snowshoe Lane, Old West Ranch.

Torres operates under the name Villalobos Rescue. According to its website, Torres specializes in pairing Pit Bulls and parolees in rehabilitation programs. The operation is the subject of a series of Animal Planet shows.

Torres is relocating from Agua Dulce. The website says that Villalobos Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit and asks for donations.

The Board of Supervisors recently turned down a permit request by another applicant for a kennel on Bear Valley Road.

All written comments intended to help the county planning staff formulate its decision about the proposal must be submitted by Feb. 22, 2011.

Additional written comments may be submitted until the March 10 hearing, when speakers will be heard. Correspondence should be sent to Kern County Planning and Community Development Department, 2700 M St., Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

The hearing will be at the chambers of the Board of Supervisors, 1115 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield.

The Tehachapi News will have more information on the kennelproposal in the next issue.

[Karen]

Hmmm shouldn't she have checked that stuff before she bought the property? Sounds like she is going to get a NO since they already turned someone else down. That's why when we buy property we get all permits and approvals before closing. No permits then we walk away

[michele5611]

I am surprised myself that all of the permits were not put into place before as well! Either her notoriety is gonna help her get the necessary approval or hurt her....guess we shall see.

[Karen]

Those little towns out there are funny like that. Sometimes the publicity hurts and frankly, two strikes are pit bulls AND parolees. Sucks but true.

[Amanda Joy]

I am with you guys... why on Earth would she have not checked into all of this before moving all of the dogs? Seems like someone that deals with the rules so much when adopting dogs out would be more aware. It scares me to think about what will happen if she is told no. It cant be easy to find property to house that many dogs. Who knows how long that would take! What will happen to the dogs if she cant find somewhere to make all this happen. It seems a little irresponsible.
I watch the show and have fallen in love with the dogs so for their sake, I hope this all goes well!

[michele5611]

www.tehachapinews.com/content/battle-heating-over-pit-bull-rescue-old-west-ranch/33558

[Karen]

Just great. My suggestion? Sell the damn property and use the money to fix the damn fences at her old place. They keep saying 100 dogs yet she keeps saying on TV she has over 200. WTH? WHY do the large scale rescues lie about exactly how many dogs they have? They all do it and it is stupid

[Amanda Joy]

My husband and I wondered about the numbers also. On the show, she says 200+ but the permit is for 100 or less... so does that mean even if she does get the greenlight she will have to place 100 or more dogs? We have watched the show since its start and it doesnt seem like she adopts that many dogs out. Placing 100 bullies will take a long time if done correctly. If she hurries it along and tries to find quick placements, she will risk a bad dog/owner fit and create even more negative press that isnt needed.
The old place may have been smaller than she would want but it was working. Now because of her desire to have more, the dogs are in limbo. Not everyone understands the bond and if prior city counsel meetings are any indication... the people that dont understand the bond are going to be the same people that are making the decision.

[emilys]

and she's not answering any of these obvious questions on her FB page either, which is really inexcusable. Karen F knows how much it bugs me when rescue groups aren't open about what's going on. Tia really owes everyone some answers.