Manatee County, Florida -- Exclusive video from 10 News shows Alan Napier and his wife Sheree taken away in handcuffs by Manatee Sheriff's deputies Thursday afternoon on 15 counts of aggravated animal cruelty charges and one count of fraud.
"He's been allowed to get away with an awful lot -- why?" asks animal activist Deborah Bird who's referring to the recently updated website for Alan Napier's Animal Sanctuary which shows it appears to be open for business under a new name Napier's Family Farm and Animal Rescue.
"Animals on the website do not look in good condition. One is heartworm positive with dry eye and is obviously a breeder dog. The Pomeranian looks very sick too."
Manatee Sheriff deputies closed Napier's back in February during a raid that found about 300 animals consisting mostly of dogs and cats with some farm animals and horses which deputies said appeared to be abused and living in poor conditions.
The Rescue:Napier's Animal Sanctuary: 300 rescued, county inspections showed "no issues"
More:Deputies confiscate 8 horses from Manatee Co. sanctuary
"He needs to be in jail," says Bird.
Napier has spent the last couple of months cleaning up the property.
"It's up to us not to let him start up again," says Bird.
Napier's new website explains he takes in homeless animals that would be put down to assist with the county's mission to be a "No-Kill" community. He lists the number of animals Manatee Animal Services has transferred to him since 2010 -- 286 total -- and how many animals he's helped find homes, including 14 so far this year. But there's no mention of the raid.
Bird says Alan Napier's arrest along with his wife Sheree is in memory of the animals.
"So many new nothing but suffering," says Bird.
She says many animals have been saved, have new homes and are thriving, and for those that didn't make it, "this is for them."
10 News reached out to Alan Napier about his website. We spoke to him on the phone and twice he told us no comment.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says the investigation continues and more charges are possible.
Related Stories:
The Investigation: State records show Napier's operated as charity with expired license
Manatee animal sanctuary investigation continues
Manatee Co. calls for independent audit of Animal Services
Napier petitioned to forfeit custody of over 300 animals
