Douglas County sanctuary violates order limiting animals on property
An animal sanctuary in southern Douglas County will undergo additional scrutiny after violating a court order, and its owner faces jail time if caught with more than 15 animals again.
Diane Benedict, owner of The Dreampower Foundation, made an agreement with the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture to avoid being held in contempt of court after her rescue was found this August with more animals than she could legally have.
In 2011, the commissioner issued a cease and desist order because Benedict was operating the sanctuary with more than 15 animals and didn’t have the proper Pet Animal Care and Facility Act license. A permanent injunction against Benedict was issued in 2012.
State officials got a complaint this year that Benedict had more animals. On Aug. 3, PACFA program officials contacted Benedict and found she had 92 pet animals and had transferred approximately 47 animals without a license in the past year.
Under the agreement, Benedict’s sanctuary will be inspected monthly until December 2019. If Benedict violates the permanent injunction again, she will be fined $5,000 and sentenced to 45 days in jail.
