Glasgow City Council Denies Pet Rescue Permit

In a vote of four to one, the Glasgow City Council has voted to deny Cindy Ramsbacher’s application for a permit to operate a pet rescue at her home address within city limits. A well-organized group of opponents, made up of area homeowners, made their feelings regarding the permit known in statements and in writing at the Jan. 2 meeting in council chambers.

Ramsbacher, of Northeast Montana Pet Rescue, is respected and well known in the area for offering services to abandoned and mistreated pets, and her efforts have placed animals in many loving homes, including the author’s.

Mayor Becky Erickson told the Courier via written statement, “First of all, the community should thank Cindy for providing these abandoned dogs and cats protection from the cold. The neighbors who spoke against granting the permit all praised her efforts.” She cited a history of noise and odor complaints as weighing heavily against the option at this time.

Ramsbacher told the Courier at press time that she is not taking any animals for boarding or rescue until further notice.

Mayor Erickson told the Courier that she is thinking outside the box for a resolution, including the potential for city-supported grant writing efforts, support for relocating the planned rescue site outside city limits, a partnership with the Glasgow Pound among other options.“There is a desperate need,” said Erickson.

There is no possibility of an appel to this decision. Asked about the best way to follow up on Ramsbacher and the city council, the mayor strongly suggested calling 406-228-2476 to add your name to the list of possible participants on a special committee. This committee will be formed in coordination with possible revisions or adjustments to the current pet ordinance.

You can also send any comments for or against Ramsbacher’s effort to [email protected].