LOVELAND, Colo. — About 80 large dogs were removed from a Lyons property after the tenant, accused of operating an unlicensed pet animal facility called Just 4 Jacks Ranch & Sanctuary, was served an eviction notice.
Judy Calhoun, CEO of NOCO Humane — which is a combination of the former Larimer Humane Society and Humane Society of Weld County — said when people open animal sanctuaries or rescues, it’s usually out of the goodness of their heart and to ensure the animals are well cared for. But when they start this work, they must make sure they have the appropriate licenses and zoning.
About 80 dogs removed from unlicensed animal facility in Lyons
That was the issue at the core of the legal battle involving Just 4 Jacks that resulted in the recent removal of about 80 dogs from the property.
Under the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) rules, any person who is sheltering more than 15 dogs or cats must have a pet animal care facility license, which CDA said Just 4 Jacks founder Drew Renkewitz did not obtain. He had operated the facility for about 3.5 years, he said.