Local non-profit director Valerie Buckley of Have a Heart, Save a Life (HAHSAL) pulls cats and dogs out of Baldwin County Animal Control (BCAC), that would otherwise be euthanized in a matter of days or even 24-hours if owners abandon them.

About a month ago, a former local sporting goods store owner, John Williams, who wanted to help, gave a large, white house on 620 S. Wayne St. facing McDonald’s to HAHSAL for use as a foster home for smaller puppies and kittens. Issues arose, however, when Buckley discovered current zoning ordinances restrict the property for this use, and Buckley has been told there is no chance to appeal the house for rezoning by the Milledgeville Planning and Zoning board. The house is contiguous to single-family residences nearby, and the zone was established to protect these units.

Buckley said she has until Aug. 10 or be forced to stop pulling animals from the BCAC.

If the city can’t come up with an alternative, Buckley will cease and assist the shelter rescue efforts because she doesn't want to subject the animals to the elements any longer. HAHSAL would still look after the current inventory of animals, hoping to adopt them out.