TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- After being told by animal control that she could have as many dogs as she wanted as long as they were licensed and vaccinated, Kimi Peck decided to make Tehachapi home nearly three years ago. But after Tuesday’s ruling, Peck said she and her dogs may have to find a new home.

After hearing neighbors concerns, reports from code compliance and supporters of Peck, the Kern County Board of Supervisors declared Peck’s residence a public nuisance and fined her $5,000.

But they are giving her until April 21 to apply for a conditional use permit, which Peck says she will do.

“I made a promise to the Board of Supervisors that I would apply for a kennel license,” said Peck.

But Peck said she doesn’t believe a conditional use permit will ever be approved because of oposition of some of her neighbors.

Neighbor Barbara Tacadina said, “We as neighbors have a right to say, 'No we don’t want a kennel, and we don’t want as many dogs in our neighborhood because it’s ruining our sleep and our ability to enjoy our homes.”

With so many dogs, comes much responsibility and Peck admits she does not want so many dogs.

“I’ve asked for help, however, because of the economy, so many people are losing their home and abandoning their dogs, most of the rescues are filled to capacity,” said Peck.

And even though it gets hard, Peck said she will not give up on the dogs.

“This is a commitment I made to these animals years ago, and I do not have the philosophy that if a dog is unadoptable, let’s euthanize it,” said Peck.

For Peck and her workers, they feel, for many of their pets, this is their last chance.

Worker Walter Colburn said, “I don’t feel like we are doing anything wrong necessarily, we are just out her trying to stand up for 170 some odd lives that nobody else seems to care about.”

Peck said if she is not approved for a conditional use permit, she will try to find a new place for her and her dogs to live, with euthanasia being the absolute last resort.