Wet Nose Animal Rescue Seeking Assistance From Plymouth County And City Of Le Mars

During Tuesday’s Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting, the county governing board were introduced to “Buddy”, a 14-year old sheep dog that is a rescued dog with the Wet Nose animal rescue organization.

(Le Mars) — Representatives of the newly formed animal rescue organization “Wet Nose” met Tuesday with the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors and later with the Le Mars City Council. The officials requested for some assistance by both the county and the city to help locate a facility to house the rescued pets, as well as to serve as an office space. “Wet Nose” animal rescue was first organized in mid-July, and are seeking donations to
help the organization grow and be able to maintain facilities. The Wet Nose officials informed the county supervisors that Noah’s Hope of Sioux City has an agreement with the city of Le Mars to house some stray dogs, but there is no such agreement with Plymouth County.
Mary Valentine says the organization has taken in some dogs after their owner had passed away. The supervisors and the city council were introduced to a 14-year old dog named “Buddy”, a mixed sheep dog, which had belonged to long-time museum volunteer Delores Burkard. Following Burkard’s death there
was no one else to care for the dog. The officials indicated in addition to seeking a shelter to house and care for the stray cats and dogs, they are also looking for foster families for the animals. During the city council meeting, the animal rescue organization asked the city officials for some
assistance. They indicated the city “needs to step up and take
responsibility” for the many dogs and cats that need rescuing. Councilman Clark Goodchild inquired about whether the city had any zoning issues with having multiple animals? City administrator, Jason Vacura responded to Goodchild’s question, saying there are some restrictions, but he would need
to follow up with some research involving the city ordinance. Vacura indicated the shelter would need to be located with a zoned area designated for businesses, and would not be allowed in the residential areas of town.
Eva Mouw, an advocate for the Wet Nose rescue center stood at the podium, and started criticizing the town for not having a designated “dog park” within Le Mars. Mouw was heard saying, “You let us (dog owners) down, because you don’t have a dog park.”  Mouw insisted the city leaders had promised the residents of Le Mars that a dog park would be created. City Administrator Jason Vacura explained that a dog park is part of the Community Betterment Project, but because it did not receive a state grant, and doesn’t have a deadline tied to it, the proposed dog park is not yet a top priority. Vacura offered assurance that a community dog park would be created within the next few years.