PRESS RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Melanie
Norton, Director of Public Relations
Office
(760) 839-7976 / Cell (760) 505-9893
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVES PLANS
FOR ESCONDIDO HUMANE SOCIETY SHELTER
ESCONDIDO, CA—April 12, 2002—On Tuesday, the
Escondido City Planning Commission approved plans for the 15,000 square foot
building on East Valley Parkway that will replace the Escondido Humane Society’s
shelter that burned down over one year ago. The commissioners gave their
support for the first phase of the society’s three phase project, but voiced
reservations over phases two and three.
Chairwoman Karen
Allgeier said there would need to be further traffic and environmental studies
conducted by the humane society before the commission would approve phases two
and three. The phase one structure will bring the humane society back to
the level of operations that existed prior to the fire. The phase two and
three structures will enhance the society to offer additional programs such as
wildlife rescue and equine therapy.
Phil Morgan,
executive director of the Escondido Humane Society said, “What’s most important
to us right now is re-opening our shelter and getting back into the business of
saving animals and educating the public. The approval of phase one is a
step in that direction.”
Fifteen supporters
of the humane society spoke in support of the new EHS shelter. Many noted
the increase in animal euthanizations since the loss of the EHS shelter in
January 2001. Morgan added, “Every five minutes an animal is euthanized
in San Diego County. Each day that our doors remain closed, that number
keeps rising.”
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