- Foxy's Cradle cat nursery plans to appeal a code notice to North Whitehall Township that its operation was unpermitted
- Owners of the nonprofit, which raises orphaned and neonatal cats, is seeking a special exemption to continue the operation
- The group has taken to Facebook to garner public support in advance of the meeting
NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A North Whitehall cat nursery that rescues and takes in, rather than breeds, kittens has sounded the warning that it may be at risk of shuttering.
The nonprofit Foxy's Cradle, which is run from a single-family dwelling at 5260 Overlook Road in North Whitehall, got an environmental notice from the township code official in July for unpermitted operation of an animal rescue.
Owners of the organization said they will attend the township Zoning Hearing Board meeting Wednesday to appeal and seek permission for the operation to continue.
And the organization has asked the public to back it up.
"We desperately NEED your help. Not financially, but we NEED our supporters to come together to save our nursery from the township trying to stop us."Facebook post by Foxy's Cradle
"We desperately NEED your help," a Facebook post from the organization reads. "Not financially, but we NEED our supporters to come together to save our nursery from the township trying to stop us."
According to the owners, the township has made an argument referring to the organization as a kennel, given that it doesn't breed the animals it takes in.
"Our team is here to pick up the pieces of irresponsible breeding," the post on Facebook continues. "Our team acts as the mom cat would to countless orphans.
"All of our day-to-day tasks within the nursery are the same as an in-home breeding operation otherwise (that they would allow)."
The applicant, Cheryl Reinert, is seeking a special exception approval to maintain the use, given that kennel use is prohibited in the residential zoning district in part because more than one principle use is not permitted on a single land parcel.
Reinert declined to comment about the upcoming meeting to the media, citing legal advice she said she received on the matter.
Neonatal kittens are among the most-euthanized group of animals that come into animal shelters and require round-the-clock care.Foxy's Cradle website
According to the nonprofit's website, neonatal kittens are among the most-euthanized group of animals that come into animal shelters and require round-the-clock care.
Organizers say they have different nursery suites for incubation, weaning, moms and babies, and a playroom for adoptable.
They say 75% of the kittens they house are brought to them because they are found orphaned, and then are hand-raised. It also offers adoption services, but not veterinary care for cat medical concerns.
The township Zoning Hearing Board was going to discuss the issue on Wednesday, Oct. 18. But the township will continue, or delay, the hearing because expected attendance is higher than what the meeting room can accommodate.
Zoning Officer Jeff Mouer said he expects the hearing will be rescheduled to November.
