Jim Doughty, owner of the proposed Wolf Ledge Refuge, will welcome members of the public to an informational open house, Sat., July 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 42 Crooker Rd. in Bristol.
Bristol will vote by secret ballot Tues., July 20 on a proposed ordinance to ban wolf hybrid refuges, including Wolf Ledge. Voters must answer the question “Shall the Town of Bristol allow the construction and/or operation of any wolf hybrid kennel or any wolf hybrid refuge within its borders?”
Carmen Salerno, a neighbor who opposes Doughty’s plan, led the effort to collect “about 190” signatures to force the vote.
“I feel that pretty much everyone in town is in agreement with each other,” Salerno said July 12. Doughty’s intentions are noble, she said, but the location isn’t right.
“I don’t have a problem with the two that he has,” Salerno said. “I’m saddened that this has brought neighbor against neighbor. I know in my heart that this is the best route to take… it’s in the best interests of the town and of the townspeople.”
The outcome of the vote will not be binding, Doughty said. “If they do vote to stop me it’s in violation of the animal welfare regulations… you cannot discriminate by breed,” Doughty said.
Salerno disagreed. “It was determined in our meeting that wolf hybrids are not considered a breed, they are considered a species,” she explained. That classification negates the regulations cited by Doughty, she said.
From a legal standpoint, Doughty is right, according to Bristol Town Administrator Kristine Poland. Poland consulted with Maine Municipal Association attorney Kristin Collins, and, according to Poland, Collins supported Doughty’s claims.
Poland said the vote might still have some impact. “I think they’re trying to send a message to the state,” she said. “The thought is, maybe Augusta will pay attention to that and not permit them.”
The Wolf Ledge Refuge mission statement, according to flyers distributed by Doughty, is “To be able to provide a safe and natural environment for these animals to live out their natural lives. To provide an educational base from which to teach anyone about owning such a hybrid animal, the re-introduction of wolves into the wild in the US and around the world, and the benefits they provide.”
According to the flyer, animals will be spayed or neutered and kept “at all times” in one-acre pens with ten foot high fencing extending another three feet underground. State and local authorities will inspect the facility, a local vet will provide shots in line with applicable laws, and an eight-foot fence will prevent the entrance of “unwanted guests.”
Some of Doughty’s neighbors, including Salerno, have expressed safety concerns about the wolf hybrids. Doughty currently owns two of the animals, but might house as many as 18 after he builds the new facility. On June 13, one of the animals left Doughty’s property and killed a chicken belonging to neighbor Darlene Terry. Doughty said someone let the animal out in an apparent attempt to generate negative publicity for the refuge.
Doughty said he contacted Bristol Animal Control Officer Candy Wall, as well as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. LCSO did not investigate the incident, he said. Lieutenant Rand Maker did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
“I’m trying to work with the state and do everything to make everybody happy,” Doughty said.
Polls will open at the Bristol Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 20.
A second question, to authorize the purchase of a $174,000 property at 1180 Bristol Road for use as a park, also appears on the ballot. According to Poland, the property, near the intersection of Bristol and Benner Roads, is currently home to a house and barn in deteriorating condition and a canoe shop.
The town plans to demolish the house and barn and convert the shop into a visitor’s center and local economic development office to provide “more exposure for our businesses,” Poland said.
Volunteers will staff the visitor’s center and the Bristol Parks Commission will maintain the park, she said.
