The rescue’s  partner Dee Walton received the notice of council’s intention to order earlier this month.

In the order, council asserts that the premises of the Weston-based rescue is being used as an animal boarding or training facility – an act that is prohibited under the R3 medium density residential zoning.

Ms. Walton also received an order from council concerning the use of her home as depot for her cleaning business, which is also prohibited under R3 zoning. 

Ms. Walton disputes both the claims and said that she is being deliberately targeted by council. 

“This accusation is based on the assumption that we are running a commercial business,” she said. 

“We are a non-for-profit organisation.

“And for them to attack my business, I think they are just clutching at straws.

“The vehicles are not parked at our property; they are parked down the road at a local park.

“I have been informed that I have every right to park there alongside the other residences vehicles and that the council cannot ask me to move them as it is a public road.”

The animal rescue, which was established at its current location in January last year, takes in cats destined for euthanasia from pounds as far as Sydney.

Ms. Walton said that since opening they have adopted out more than 600 cats and currently have more than 100 based at the shelter.

Sawyers Gully Animal Rescue recently became a registered charity and Ms. Walton said that there has never been a commercial intention in place.

“There are so many more pressing issues in the community that council should be worrying about,” she said.

“Stray cats are such a big problem in this area.

“We are doing a community service.

“Why are they trying to shut down a facility that is just trying to help them?”

Council’s order regarding the rescue also reported complaints of odours coming from the premises and that other stray cats were being attracted to the area.

Ms. Walton has the right to appeal the order and has already started a petition for community support to help keep the rescue open.

The petition can be found at Sawyers Gully Animal Rescue donation boxes located at Woolworths Cessnock, Coles Cessnock and Ritchies IGA Cessnock.  

Council’s director of planning and environment Gareth Curtis, said that the details of compliance issues were treated under confidentiality.

“The matter continues to remain under investigation,” he said. 

“Council has provided opportunities for the proprietor to make representations to the council on the matter and we await their response. 

“To maintain confidentiality we are not able to make further comment.”