Manatee County, Florida -- Sweeping changes are called for Manatee County Animal Services. County commissioners receive a "to do list" to improve conditions at its animal shelter that's been plagued with problems over the years from overcrowding to low staffing.
Crowded kennels cats with little room to roam seems to be the norm at Manatee County Animal Services.
"We're constantly in crisis mode," says Bill Hutchison, interim director for MCAS.
Despite a special on adoptions this weekend where 67 animals found forever homes, the shelter's numbers are at capacity.
"We get full just like that," says Hutchinson. "One hoarder pops up in the county, one Napier, we're back in crisis mode."
In the case of Alan and Sheree Napier who were charged with animal abuse and fraud, deputies rescued 300 dogs, cats, and farm animals from their home in February.
"It's really critical we develop a new facility that has the room we need to accommodate the level of services we need here in Manatee County," says Hutchinson.
A larger facility is the top recommendation Manatee County commissioners heard out of a study on how to improve the publicly-criticized shelter fueled by the Napier case.
"Now starts the heavy lifting," says Hutchison.
Other recommendations include: more staff and volunteers, more training, a full-time veterinarian on site and a stronger agreement with pet rescues requiring pre-approval and regular inspections. The study also calls for improving the shelter's foster care system and pet retention. One suggestion is to provide new pet owners a handbook with resources.
The report says the shelter needs to find a new director that's compassionate and understands the workings of a center trying to become a No Kill Shelter.
The county runs the shelter, but the study says the county should enter into a public-private partnership with a non-profit group experienced with No Kill shelters.
It's a list animal activists say commissioners have heard before.
"The fact is everything you said that's in the report we've been saying for three years," one animal activist tells commissioners.
The study cost taxpayers $50,000, money activists say could have gone to improving conditions at the shelter.
It's a good list say commissioners, but it comes down to one thing.
"Big part of it is cost," says Commissioner Larry Bustle.
Commissioners say it will take time to make all of these changes. They will discuss the list of recommendations at a workshop earl next year.
Manatee County Animal Services extends its adoption special another week. Adoptions fees are $20 for either dog or cat and $15 fee for license and registration.
New hours of operation of adoptions are: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On adoption, pets receive a checkup, are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. Each adoption also comes with 30-day risk-free pet insurance. For more information, call Animal Services at (941) 742-5933.
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