Allow Wildlife Rehabilitators to Continue to Operate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

On Oct 9, 2017, the Cedar Rapids Board of Adjustment, denied the variance appeal of Rachelle Hansen, a State-licensed, Master Wildlife Rehabilitator, stating, “Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities are not traditionally found in residential zoning districts or neighborhoods. Furthermore, the City has traditionally denied applications for these types of facilities in residential zoning districts and neighborhoods." The truth is, Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators have been working from their residences for decades across the state of Iowa. Babies often need round-the-clock care and there are simply no other realistic options. If these volunteers cannot operate from their residences, then many orphaned babies and injured wildlife will perish. Veterinarians only work WITH the volunteers, they do not typically provide the daily care needed. In the Spring and Summer, most rehabilitators are inundated with orphaned babies and/or injured wildlife. We need more of these people, not less. They are performing a humane service, that if forbidden, will likely cause individuals to try to help these wild animals themselves without the proper knowledge. Certainly this would be more harmful to both the animals and the public. Furthermore, there is already a city ordinance that states: 23.21 (b) The following are hereby excluded from the requirements of this section only if they are in compliance with the State and Federal Animal Welfare Act and other regulations: 6. Wild or exotic animals or dangerous animals maintained by the federal, state, county, or city government, or its designee, pursuant to the enforcement of this chapter.

Since she is State and Federally licensed, and most animals are brought or referred to her by the DNR, Animal Control and/or law enforcement, would she not then be a "designee" and therefore exempt? Perhaps the city could compromise by stipulating that some of these animals not be released directly into residential neighborhoods, (which they typically are not). Truthfully though, all of the animals in question (birds, squirrels, raccoon, opossums, deer...etc) are found, in abundance, all over the city now. Many people currently feed wildlife in residential areas, especially birds and squirrels. Will this be banned as well? We are asking the City of Cedar Rapids to rethink this decision and allow wildlife rehabilitation to continue as it always has, under the current state guidelines.