The clinic will be housed in the former Thomas Street Church of Christ Youth Center.
Citizens have called the city with objections ranging from worries about the possible odor to potential property value decreases. Some residents have told planning officials they do not want even a small-animal clinic while others do not object to dogs and cats being treated at the facility, but do not want livestock in their area, according to Planning Director Barbara Burleson.
The property is now zoned C-3, which allows livestock within city limits while being treated by a licensed veterinarian.
"It is something that has been in our code book and has never been addressed or removed," Burleson said of zoning code's allowance of livestock within city limits.
Dr. Charles Freeman, the owner of Western Prairie Veterinary Hospital, said the clinic will primarily focus on small animals upon opening mid-February.
His future plans include a large-animal surgery facility disconnected from the main building that will handle cattle specialty cases such as obstetrics. Freeman said the zoning code requires that any pens on his site be surrounded by fencing are trees so that the large animals will not be visible to neighbors.
Freeman, a former deputy commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, says he plans to meet with concerned residents. Neighbors of the site are expected to attend the Tuesday night council meeting.
"My intent is not to deface property," Freeman said. "I'm not a guy that is going to come in here and do things wrong. I'm a good neighbor, and I have an area where my services are needed."
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