T-Bird Farms Dog Breeder Faces Frustrating Wait in Permit Saga

Shell Abbott, the owner of Abbott’s German Shepherds, faces uncertainty as Pinal County introduces unexpected requirements impacting her breeding business. Located on her Thunderbird Farms property, Abbott initially set out to establish a reputable kennel, obtaining necessary permits and certifications from the American Kennel Club.

However, nearly a decade into her operations across two properties, recent demands for special use permits have added stress to her situation. “It’s absolutely stressful because … we don’t know if we’re going to get our permits,” Abbott expressed during an interview with InMaricopa. She describes a constant state of anxiety about the future of her business.

Currently, Abbott operates under a commercial kennel permit, which is typically not applicable for her 3-acre suburban ranch-zoned property. According to county regulations, such kennels require at least 5 acres for operation. The newly proposed special use permit, accompanied by restrictive stipulations, could potentially allow her to continue operating her business.

Among the stipulations are limitations on the number of adult dogs allowed on her property—set at seven—and a reduction in outdoor activity time for her dogs. Abbott criticized the arbitrary nature of these restrictions, noting, “There’s no real research behind it. It’s just because I told them I had seven dogs at my house, so that’s the number they picked.” This limitation complicates her ability to care for her dogs, especially if she needs to accommodate her mother’s breeding dogs.

During a recent Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting, Abbott revealed her surprise at the need for additional permits. “My building permits were allowed by the county already, so I can’t be knocked on what the county has allowed me to do,” she explained.

Director Audra Michael of Pinal County Animal Care and Control corroborated Abbott’s claims, stating her agency’s inspections revealed compliance on Abbott’s part. The county zoning board, after extensive discussions, supported Abbott’s case, sending it back for final approval.

Despite this support, Abbott remains apprehensive ahead of the upcoming vote. “I have to get three out of five [votes]… Honestly, it feels up in the air,” she lamented. Concerns expressed by Supervisor Rich Vitiello, including opposition letters and past complaints, add to her uncertainty.

Michael acknowledged the volume of complaints could not be substantiated, contrasting Abbott’s situation with the support she has received. More than 60 support letters and over 200 signatures on an online petition highlight community backing for her operations.

As Abbott waits for a decision, she reflects on the reassurance provided by her community. “There aren’t words that could say what it means to feel like you’re not alone in something,” she affirmed. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors is set to reconsider the matter during its July 2 meeting, leaving Abbott’s future in limbo.

When asked about potential outcomes if the permit is denied, Abbott’s response was stark: “I don’t know.” She added, “I can’t imagine living without my dogs.”