The health of 50 dogs could be in jeopardy. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is locked in a dispute with the town of Loxahatchee Groves.
Town leaders are threatening to shut off power at several rescue trailers at Big Dog's new 33 acre construction site if the trailers aren't gone in 10 days.
Big Dog owner Lauree Simmons says the temporary trailers function as a vital medical facility for about 50 sick and injured rescue dogs.
The county recently red tagged the trailers.
"Threaten us if we didn't stop operations out here that they would shut our power off in10 days," says Simmons. "Our operations are down. Where are these medically-injured dogs and these moms and puppies going to go?"
Loxahatchee Groves mayor David Browning says Big Dog is breaking the rules. Permits show the rescue is not allowed to care for dogs in the trailers.
"Both refer to two construction trailers," says Browning.
He says it's all about safety.
"They're not finished with the project. They're still in construction. They are still doing the ground work. They're just starting footings. They are not at the place where they should be taking in dogs," says Browning.
The town and Big Dog Rescue are working on a compromise. A court hearing could be held Monday.
