Council hears of plan for animal sanctuary

Clear Lake City Council members heard from a small group which plans to construct an animal sanctuary in Clear Lake.

Judy Siems, founder and executive director of the non-profit Glady Mae Animal Sanctuary in Minnetonka, Minn., said she is pursuing purchase of property in Clear Lake for care, rehabilitation, training and end-of-life care for dogs and cats.

The Council listened to a brief description of the animal sanctuary from Siems, but did not comment on the plan.

Mike Ritter, the city’s building official, explained the group requires no approval or permits from the city.

Siems, who has family ties to the area, said the first phase of her plan involves purchase of a property on the outer edge of Clear Lake city limits.  She would fence the main area of the property and be able to take in a handful of displaced or neglected animals immediately.  Growth of the sanctuary would be dependent of donations.

She said she hopes to build a complex of kennels to house greater numbers of animals.

Siems and supporters of her cause Monday explained the missions of an animal sanctuary is to provide a safe and permanent home for those cats and dogs at risk of unnecessary euthanasia.  The group would also provide a safe and temporary home for cats and dogs of domestic abuse victims who will not leave their abusers fearing for a pet’s safety if they leave.  They would also provide temporary care for pets of those requiring extended hospital stays, military deployment and other similar situations.

Seems said she hopes purchase of property will happen soon and she can pursue her dream of operating an animal sanctuary.