An update has become available from the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, of West Bend, regarding a lawsuit.  

They filed a motion for summary judgment in Washington County Circuit Court. In this motion, Shalom asked the court to dismiss a lawsuit against the Town of Farmington and Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Late last year through the legal process, the Town of Farmington amended its zoning code. The zoning code amendment makes it clear that they are allowed to operate as a zoo.

Shalom asked the court to dismiss this lawsuit once and for all.  

Monday, February 2 there was a hearing regarding counterclaims. 

The hearing was held on Monday, February 2 at the Washington County Courthouse with Judge Ryan Hetzel presiding. The motion was denied to dismiss the counterclaim. According to the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, this means the case will now proceed to discovery.

"There is still a very long road ahead in this case, but this was a positive first step," David and Lana Fechter said in an update. "We remain committed to stand up for our animals, our staff and the families and children who find joy at Shalom Zoo." 

Their next goal is to get the court to grant their motion for summary judgment to dismiss the initial lawsuit, which sought to invalidate their 2025 Conditional Use Permit. Now that the Town of Farmington has amended its zoning code to allow for zoological activities, their zoo operations are permitted. 

That motion was heard on Wednesday, April 22. The court's decision is expected to come at a later date.