The proposed development of an $850,000 dog breeding facility in Mountain View County has officially been withdrawn. 

“A Subdivision Development Appeal Board (SDAB) appeal hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 9 a.m., has been cancelled.” reads a notice sent out by Mountain View County Monday afternoon.  “The application submitted by Joy Unleashed Ltd for a Kennel, Commercial and Dwelling, Single Detached with Attached Accessory Building – Kennel on the SW 20-30-3-W5M, has been withdrawn.”

This comes on the heels of a massive public campaign to stop the project spearheaded by BARCS Rescue in Cremona and other local dog shelters.

Amanda Thomson with BARCS Rescue says this is a big win for local shelters, rescues, and most importantly, the dogs. “it was super exciting. I had to read it a few times even just to grasp what was going on with it.”

The rescue groups were able to garner more than 27,000 signatures in a petition to oppose the building of the facility. 

“It was really great work for all of our teammates. Obviously, the applicant who initially put in the application felt the pressure and saw what we were doing. Hopefully, that's the thought process with them and that if they do want to keep going with breeding, they're going to do it ethically. They're going to do it in the right situations and circumstances.”

“I think for all rescues right now who are feeling a struggle, this is a huge win for us to know that we not only can help the dogs in our care, but we're also making a difference. I think it's a huge thing.”