Furry Feet Rescue in Wilson Borough needs your help. This isn't a cry for funds, fosters, or adopters. Like any animal rescue, these resources are always needed. And if readers feel compelled to donate, those donations will not be turned down.
However, this isn't a story about resources. Furry Feet Rescue has existed and thrived for five years, and it is under attack.
They say that one bad apple can ruin the bunch. And in the case of this multi-animal rescue located in Eastern, PA, that bad apple has reared its ugly head.
Furry Feet was started by Michelle and Steve Geyer in 2006, to fulfill their love affair for saving homeless animals. The Geyers both work indivual jobs and run their small rescue, all in just 24 hours a day.
Steve and Michelle own a half of a double house in Wilson Borough, a small town associated with the city of Easton. The home base for their rescue efforts has been their house since day one.
Furry Feet is a 501c3 tax exempt charity organization, but despite this certification, Wilson Borough requires a business license on top of the exemptions. The Geyer's have complied with this request from the beginning, spending $35, extra, per year, to keep Furry Feet up and going.
With the help of dedicated volunteers, and a few foster families, Furry Feet takes on all cases, from cats, to dogs, to domestic rats.
And they've live, loved, and rescued, on their block with few issues. A little over a year ago, the Geyers were issued a citation for excessive feces in their yard. This issue was corrected, quickly, and never visited again. However, with this citation came a warning...keep it neat and clean, or close down shop.
Since then, no formal complaints have come their way. One neighbor, who does not live on any property directly connected to the Geyers, has complained multiple times.
However, other neighbors, visitors, and adopters alike have commented that their house/facility is very clean. So, the house full of rescue cats, a handful of adoptable dogs, and their personal pets, is maintained and cleaned, as needed, to comply with all codes and laws. And, in accordance with new PA rescue and kennel laws, the Geyers have even obtained the necessary kennel license so that they can legally rescue, and adopt out, 26 or more dogs per year.
So why is it that Wilson Borough code enforcement office, Paul Corriere, has decided to revoke their business license? There have been verbal statements made regarding further complaints, but no written proof to substantiate the claims. It's just Mr. Corriere and one bad apple, taking on the small independent rescue.
It seems to be a personal vendetta of a man who feels that his borough is not the right place for rescue. The question is, does he have the right to shut down a business or rescue that is following the rules and regulations?
The options from here on out are few. The Geyers can move, but moving requires work and money. On the other hand, they can stay and fight. And, it appears as though this is the popular choice. They've been speaking with a lawyer, and volunteers and fans alike have bonded together to get petitions signed and fight back against Corriere's efforts.
They can't do it alone. Please, visit ir website to learn more about what individuals can do!
You can send mail to Paul Corrier at 2040 Hay Terrace, Easton, PA 18042. Or, call his office at (610) 258-3531. Faxes can be sent to (610) 258-6639 (make sure to mark them ATTN: Paul Corriere).
Did you know you can send 2 free faxes, per day, online from Fax Zero?
It's time to rescue a rescue. They work to help the community, saving the lives of homeless animals. The least we can do is stand up to help them when they're in need.
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