Work continues on new Sanger animal rescue, despite complaints from neighbors

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was a big win on Tuesday for a Fresno animal shelter that specializes in pit bulls.

The Fresno County supervisors voted to allow the group to continue building a new site northwest of Sanger, despite complaints from neighbors.

The county supervisors meetings was packed, mostly with supporters of the Fresno Bully Rescue.

"Stopping this project with a moratorium will break us and may force a non-profit to close," Bridgette Boothe with the rescue explained.

Those against it were outnumbered but their message was also strong.

"They're not going to have to deal with it," said Kevin Statham, who lives by the proposed site. "They're going to go home at night and it's quiet and peaceful. We're going to deal with it."

Statham is one of four families that's been fighting for the county to put a stop to it, concerned about the odors and all the barking.

"That is a big issue," the property owner said. "I would expect there would at least be a sound study done."

"Why are you considering the rights of a facility that is yet to be built over the rights of the 50 year residents that are on our street?" resident Marilyn Kanawyer asked.

"I just think we need a little consideration, for everybody, for you, and the bedroom that's right on the other side of the fence," Fresno County supervisor Deborah Poochigian said.

In the end, the supervisors all agreed to let the shelter move forward.

"It didn't seem fair to someone who had already been through our process, to now change the rules on them in the middle of the game," supervisor Henry Perea said.

And although many were happy with the decision, some went home defeated.

"Although we lost today and it looks like they get to proceed, we gave it our best shot and that's all we could really do," Statham said.

"It's a big win for this entire Central Valley," Boothe said. "Fresno Bully Rescue is vital to help people in our community and so we are so excited to be able to move forward with the construction of our new facility."