Animal Cruelty Investigation Continues; Food and Supplies Being Accepted

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its animal cruelty investigation at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, located at 20010 State Road 64 East, Bradenton. Over 300 dogs, cats, horses, pigs and other animals were confiscated from the property Wednesday, due to deplorable health conditions at the facility, where animals were being kept in utter filth and squalor. Veterinarians were on scene and approximately 12 dogs had to be euthanized.

On Thursday, deputies discovered eight deceased dogs buried in a shallow, mass grave at the back of the property. It is unknown how many additional dogs might be buried on the premesis.

The facility's website said that its mission was "to provide a temporary home to homeless animals until a permanent adoptive home can be found. Also to help educate the public about adopting and taking care of homeless animals to help the county in becoming a "no-kill" community where no adoptable animal is euthanized just for lack of space and time."

It claimed that most of the animals accepted by the sanctuary had been transferred from local area Animal Services and were in danger of being euthanized due to treatable illnesses or lack of space and time.

The investigation involves possible animal cruelty and fraud. Arrests have yet to be made. Anyone interested in donating food or supplies for these animals or have information can call MSO at 941-747-3011, ext. 1151.