Kennebunk animal sanctuary owner feels caught in limbo over zoning compliance
Heather Lombard, the founder of Scapegoats and the Mousam Misfits Sanctuary, finds herself in a distressing struggle with the town of Kennebunk over the future of her animals. After more than a decade of keeping livestock on her property, Lombard was suddenly informed that her pigs and goats may need to be rehomed due to zoning ordinances.
A Sudden Shift in Enforcement
For over 10 years, Lombard operated Scapegoats, an eco-friendly business where goats are used to clear invasive species and vegetation on her 1.5-acre Mill Street property. She also established the Mousam Misfits Sanctuary, a nonprofit providing a home for farm animals with nowhere else to go.
The conflict began this year when Lombard applied for a permit to build a shed for her rescue animals. In response, code enforcement official Brian Paul issued two letters on May 6: one denying the permit and another stating that keeping livestock is prohibited in the West Kennebunk Village Residential Zone.
The Zoning Dispute
According to Article 8, Section 7 of the zoning ordinance, other types of agriculture are only allowed on parcels of five acres or more. Because Lombard’s property is roughly 1.5 acres, the town cited her as being out of compliance.
Lombard disputes the town’s classification of her activities as “Animal Husbandry,” which the ordinance defines as the breeding and raising of livestock for commercial purposes. “I don’t breed my animals. I’ve never bred,” Lombard stated, noting that she feels the town has not listened to this distinction.
Mixed Messages and Legal Limbo
The situation has been complicated by conflicting guidance from town officials. While Lombard was initially given 30 days to appeal the decision, she says the town later told her and her lawyer to disregard the letters and not worry about the appeal.
However, the Community Development Department later changed course, stating they were unsure if she should appeal after all. With a June 5 deadline looming, Lombard feels caught in limbo and intends to appeal to avoid losing the option.
A Pattern of Displacement
Lombard is not the only resident to face such challenges. Horse trainer Samantha Fairfield reported that after seven years of keeping horses in West Kennebunk, she was told by the Community Development Department that she had to rehome them.
Fairfield, who admitted she was not in compliance, expressed frustration that the town had “turned a blind eye” for years before taking action. Fairfield decided the hassle was not worth it and moved both her horses and her family out of Kennebunk.
Potential Outcomes
Lombard has expressed a desire to work with the town to create a more inclusive community. Depending on the results of the appeal and upcoming meetings, the town could potentially find a compromise or maintain the current zoning restrictions.
If a resolution is not reached, Lombard may face fines and penalties, or the animals—for whom the sanctuary is a last resort—could be forced into rehoming. For now, Lombard continues to receive significant support from the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the town’s zoning enforcement against Heather Lombard?
The enforcement action occurred after Lombard applied for a permit to build a shed for her rescue animals.
What is the specific zoning rule cited by the town?
Under Article 8, Section 7, livestock and other types of agriculture are only permitted on parcels of five acres or more in the West Kennebunk Village Residential Zone.
Why does Heather Lombard disagree with the “Animal Husbandry” label?
The zoning ordinance defines “Animal Husbandry” as breeding and raising livestock for commercial purposes, but Lombard asserts that she does not breed her animals.
Do you believe local zoning laws should be flexible for nonprofit animal sanctuaries?