Medford, Ore. — The future of a lion sanctuary in a residential neighborhood in Phoenix is uncertain tonight.
Well-wishers filled the room, with signs of support in had.
“It would be a shame if the public didn’t get to see them,” said one supporter.
One by one, neighbors of Walking with Lions chimed in, speaking to a hearing officer in favor of owners Brian and Victoria McMillan.
“We had the complete support of everyone in our neighborhood,” explained Victoria.
Even with all of the support, the McMillans face a county citation for not having the proper land use permit.
As Kelly Madding of Jackson County Development explains, “Lions are not considered farm use under state law.”
The couple can howeverlegally keep the lions on their property as they are considered pets, but a citation issued by Jackson County in February 2015, puts in question whether the McMillans can operate a business on their property.
Because their property is zoned as farm land and lions are not seen as farm use animals as described by county regulations, the county argues that the McMillans can’t make money from their ‘Walking with Lions experience’ without a specific permit.
“If the McMillans want to use the lions for commercial purpose, I’m not sure a land use application would yield an approval,” said Madding.
The couple, who moved to thevalleyto run this business, had also hoped to run a bed and breakfast on the property.
The owners say, to their knowledge, they had all the right permits and paperwork to operate their business before moving to Jackson County, including a USDA permit.
A decision on whether or not Walking with Lions can operate commercially is expected to come within days.
Brian McMillans says he and his wife are prepared to leave the area with their animals if they are not allowed to run their business.
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