KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
A group that cares for abused animals in Kansas City is holding a rally Wednesday in front of City Hall, to show support for their organization in light of a zoning dispute that could force them to shut their doors.
Chain of Hope is a grass-roots animal organization that works primarily in inner city Kansas City, MO, and Kansas City, KS. They provide food, water and shelter for dogs that are chained up outside without essentials.
The rally will be held at noon Wednesday.
The organization moved to its current location at 2708 Tracy Ave. in March. Kansas City requires Chain of Hope to get a kennel license, and every neighbor within 150 feet of the organization's property line must sign off.
One neighbor is refusing and will not budge.
Without the permit, Chain of Hope cannot have more than four adult animals plus puppies. The organization would like to have up to 10 adult animals.
Chain of Hope's Kendra Albert said the city cited the organization even though they met all the requirements.
"We just feel like we're being harassed," she said.
David Park, director of neighborhood and community services, said the city cannot treat Chain of Hope any differently than other businesses operating in a residential area.
"If you've converted the house to a business, the code doesn't really allow for that," he said. "That would be the other possible fly in the ointment for them."
Chain of Hope is asking its supporters to lobby council members on their behalf. Otherwise, they said they cannot afford to move again. They said they would be forced to go to a skeleton organization or close.
For more information on Chain of Hope, click here.
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