Support for Never Cry Wolf Rescue

WE, the undersigned, voice our objection to recent actions and demands by the County of Sacramento, California against Sam Blake of Never Cry Wolf Rescue.

Specifically:

For refusing to renew Mr. Blake's long-held exotic animal permit which up until now had been renewed annually without reservation after inspection.

For demanding that he must now also obtain a "conditional use permit". For nearly ten years the county had voiced no objection to his facility operating without such a permit and had condoned, utilized and referred the public to his facility. It is well known that it is almost impossible to acquire a conditional use permit in a residentially zoned area, even one like Sam Blake's that is also zoned for agricultural purposes. Therefore, we see this new requirement as simply a guise with the real motive being to close down his facility which is operating legally in every other respect, having done so without incident for nearly ten years.

In light of the current concerns over certain dogs who have endangered public safety, we share that concern. Wolf-hybrids may be considered by some to be among the dog breeds which pose a public safety hazard. In reality, the nature of the wolf is to shy away, not viciously attack. Wolf-hybrids do have their unique challenges, but this is exactly the reason why Sam Blake and Never Cry Wolf is crucial to the community. There is no other program that provides our community with the education, the training and high level of scrutiny over who is adopting these dogs.

California law does not permit a breeding ban on specific dog-breeds, so it is imperative that a resource exists to help to shape a higher level of responsibility of wolf-hybrid ownership through training and education. That resource is Sam Blake and Never Cry Wolf Rescue.

We, the undersigned, ask Sacramento County officials to consider the potential affects of losing this valuable resource and we ask that they renew Mr. Blake's exotic animal permit and allow him to peacefully continue to carry out his mission, just as he has for nearly ten years.