Adoptions to Begin as Judge Signs Seized Animals Over to Sheriff's Office

BRADENTON – On Thursday, a judge signed an order giving ownership of seized animals from Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary to the Manatee Sheriff’s Office. The order was signed after an agreement was reached between the owners of the sanctuary and MCSO.

On February 5, the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the shelter, which is located on State Road 64 in East Bradenton. Over 300 dogs, cats, horses, pigs and other animals were seized from the property due to poor health conditions. On February 10, an additional 8 horses were seized from a location in Myakka City. The criminal investigation into possible animal cruelty and fraud continues. At this time, no arrests have been made.

According to the agreement, the Napier’s daughter will get two of the confiscated horses but the rest of the animals go to the Sheriff’s Office. The daughter took ownership of the two horses before the petition was filed by the Sheriff’s Office to get the animals.

The animals were placed with various shelters after they were seized and they will remain at the shelters. The Sheriff’s Office is pleased with the agreement order as it will allow the adoption process to begin and thanked the shelters for all of their assistance with the animals.

If anyone is interested in adopting the animals, they are located at –

• Canine Castaways

• Cat Depot

• Certified Pre-Owned Dogs

• Ewenity Farms Border Collie Rescue

• Gulf Shore Animal League

• Honor Animal Rescue

• Lakewood Ranch Humane Society

• Manatee County Animal Services

• Manatee County Humane Society

• Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue

• Royal Rescue

• Sarasota County Humane Society

• Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida

• Southeast Beagle Rescue

• VIP Rescue

• Underdog Rescue of Florida

• Whispering Ranches Feed

If anyone is interested in making donations to help the shelters, the Manatee Community Foundation has established the Animal Welfare Fund. For more information, you can contact the Manatee Community Foundation at 941-747-7765.