The mayor of South Huron says he's vehemently opposed to a big cat sanctuary in his municipality.
Sarnians Branden Vanderwel and Destiny Duncan made a pitch to council before its June 15 meeting, seeking a bylaw exemption to allow for the housing of two lion cubs just south of the Grand Bend Motorplex.
Mayor George Finch said he's concerned about the proposal.
"My greatest responsibility is the protection of the people who elected me," he said. "I do have concerns about having animals of that size in the municipality and what potentially could happen down the road. I think we have to look at the safety aspect of it, so that's what I'm basing my decision on. I'm not speaking on behalf of council, I'm speaking as a member of council."
Finch said most residents that he's talked to share his opinion.
In an email to Blackburn News, Vanderwel expressed disappointment in Mayor Finch's comments.
"It is very disappointing that the mayor has expressed that he didn't think passing an exotic exemption was the right move citing safety concerns and negative feedback from community members about the proposal," he said.
"Since the very beginning, after we did the meeting and presentation, we have been 100 per cent transparent and have reached out to each council member including the mayor to let them know that we are here for any and all questions and concerns. We are more than willing to share in the clarification and understanding for the community as of today's date we have not received on call or email in regards to concerns from the council or mayor.
"It is disappointing to be painted with the same brush as everyone else. You could say that housing lions is lethal and could end in disaster, but with proper plans and security it could also be safe and a part conservation as well."
Vanderwel said proper safety measures would be implemented.
"People really need to take the time to review the documents submitted to the council. It outlines all of our plans regarding safety very thoroughly. As we have previously stated we have made the safety of the lions and the community our number one priority. We have considered all possible scenarios, we have even gone as far as putting plans in place for special weather like tornados etc. We have been in contact and began researching having them GPS chipped just for the extra added security."
Mayor Finch said the issue won't be going back to council unless a councillor asks to bring it forward as a motion or recommendation. South Huron council's next meeting is scheduled for July 13.
The Roaring Cat Retreat in Lambton Shores shut down earlier this year after the Ontario Superior Court issued a permanent injunction, outlawing the housing of exotic animals within the municipality.
In April of 2019, Lambton Shores councillors unanimously passed an exotic animal bylaw that bans the ownership of animals including tigers, lions, cougars and leopards.
CORRECTION: BlackburnNews.com incorrectly referred to Branden Vanderwel and Destiny Duncan as a couple when in fact they are business associates. The correction has been made in the above article.