Animal sanctuary approved for move

An animal sanctuary, home to a cross-bred wolf and cross-bred coyote, has been permitted to relocate from Martin Street to Jesse Street in Pahrump, following approval of a grandfathered use application at a meeting of the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday.

Happy Acre Sanctuary, a state-licensed, not-for-profit, charitable organization will be limited to housing 10 dogs, 10 cats, 10 potbelly pigs, 10 goats, 10 water turtles, five tortoises and a handful of chickens at the new location of 4210 W. Jesse St.

The application was met with resistance from proposed neighboring property owners who expressed concerns about barking dogs, offensive odors and increased insect populations.

Jesse Street resident Mary Ann Yorke objected to the relocation citing excessive noise pollution and odors from the animal sanctuary previously located on the Jesse Street property. An animal sanctuary formerly operated at the Jesse Street location from 2005 through 2007. “I don’t believe it belongs in a quiet residential area,” she said.

Several Pahrump residents spoke on behalf of operator Christine Piazza who, they say, maintains and clean and quiet facility. Nye County Planner Beth Lee told the Planning Commission that animal control found the current operation to meet county standards.

Prior to operation, the Jesse Street location must receive a satisfactory inspection by the planning department. The cross-bred wolf and coyote, which are deemed “exotic animals,” can not be replaced without approval by the county.

All dogs will be required to be kept indoors, to prevent barking, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. At Piazza’s request, the commission added a special condition to allow the dogs to be taken outside, with supervision, during nighttime hours, as necessary.

In other business:

• An application for a waiver to build an RV garage, that did not meet set-back requirements, was approved at 4800 E. Westmont Dr.

• Artesia at Hafen Ranch Phase V was rezoned to VR 10 from VR 20, upon the approved application of Tim Hafen.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission will be held on April 15 at 6 p.m. at the County Commission Chambers located at 2100 E. Walt William Drive in Pahrump.