Manatee County Animals Services find abused animals new homes
After police officers found 14 dogs in “deplorable living conditions” in a Bradenton home last week, officials say the animals will be available for a new home at the county’s big adoption event on May 21.
Officers discovered the dogs and two cockatiels while responding to a domestic dispute on 13th Street West on May 7. The dogs were stacked in crates on top of each other, covered in feces and urine, police said.
The owners voluntarily surrendered the animals to Manatee County Animals Services, and were checked by a veterinarian.
The dogs are “generally healthy” and range in age from six months to 12 years old, the police department said Wednesday in a news release. However, many are being treated for intestinal parasites.
Animal Services’ staff also continue to socialize the dogs, the release said.
Manatee County’s sixth annual Adopt-A-Palooza event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Bradenton Convention Center in Palmetto and “most” of the dogs will be available.
Admission is free, and there will be over 100 adoptable pets and a marketplace with over 30 vendors for pet products and services.
Plus, new this year is a free pet vaccine and microchip clinic. Owners of dogs or cats and bring their pet to get a free vaccine or microchip between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
“With hurricane season almost here, the free pet vaccine and microchip clinic will help pet owners get prepared,” said Animal Services Division Chief Sarah Brown said in a news release.
Participating organizations include Manatee County Animal Services, Humane Society of Manatee County, Canine Castaways, Moonracer Rescue, Cat Depot, Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch and Barking Out Loud Rescue.
For pets adopted from Animal Services — like the rescued dogs — all adoption fees will be waived “in lieu of a donation made to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS),“ the county said in a news release.
“Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services, a nonprofit that helps with initiatives at the shelter such as dog beds, turf for the play yards, enrichment items, crates and medical care.
The owners of the 14 dogs have not been charged by police.
A bird rescue organization will take care of the two cockatiels.
The case is still under investigation, and any information may be emailed to [email protected]. To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through manateecrimestoppers.com.
This story was originally published May 12, 2022 2:36 PM.
