Prosecutor's Office Serious About Protecting Animals

The state attorney's office is not just prosecuting more animal cruelty cases, its attorneys are adopting animals in need.

When Manatee County Animal Services took in 33 pit bulls, most of them under a year old, some of the folks in the state attorney's office took notice. All of the animals were surrendered to Animal Services and the agency worked with the owner to pick up all the dogs, so the attorneys weren't looking to press charges. They were keeping an eye on the welfare of the animals. During Ed Brodsky's campaign, he promised to pay attention to animal cruelty cases and his office has taken that to heart. There have been recent cases of cruelty where law enforcement officers have brought the cases to the state attorney's office. Those cases are under review. But one attorney, who has worked on abuse cases, decided to take it a step further. When she …

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Ruby is a Gem

She's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.

This week's adoptable dog is Ruby, a tan and white mixed breed girl. Ruby (ID# A053808) is a one-and-a-half-year-old spayed female who is sweet and loving. She will sit for a treat and is house trained. She is a sweet girl who wants to be a lap dog. Ruby has been with Manatee County Animal Services since Jan. 5 when her family dropped her off at the shelter. You can visit Ruby at the county's downtown adoption center. Adoptions, which include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check, and microchip, are $80 for dogs, plus a $15 license fee for those in Manatee County, and $40 for cats, plus the license fee. The downtown adoption center is open  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more …

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Fans Show Up to Send Off Survivor

Axel, the dog who was hit in the head with an ax, greets his adoring public before going off to his new foster home.

The dog who ended last year as a throw-away entered 2013 triumphant, with more friends than anyone could imagine and a party complete with cake and well wishes, as he heads to his new foster home. Axle left Beach Veterinary Clinic this morning and headed to Lucky Dog for the first of two parties. There he was greeted by fans and the folks who started his Facebook page to help raise money for his care. He also met fans who had read about his injuries and cheered his recovery. Jennah Victor and her sons brought Axel a cake made of milk bones and peanut butter and made specifically for dogs. Axel at up the attention with nearly as much gusto as he dove into the cake. Once he left Lucky Dog, he headed to Manatee County Animal Services in …

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Manatee to Celebrate Injured Dog as He Goes to Foster Home

The public is invited to a Jan. 9 send off for Axel, the dog who was hit in the head and left with a gaping wound.

No Kill Manatee County is hosting a celebration this week as Axel, the dog who was hit in the head and left wandering with a gaping injury,goes to his foster home. No Kill Manatee is inviting the community to come out and say so long to Axel. He will leave his friends at Beach Veterinary Clinic on Jan. 9, where he has convalesced since he was found with his injury in November. From there he will make a stop at Lucky Dog Restaurant where owners and friends put together a Facebook Page for Axel. Then they will head to Manatee County Animal Services, 305 25th St. W., Palmetto, where Axel will meet his new foster mom, trainer Trisha Robinson of Dawg Phonics. Axel will also will meet his fans and be reunited with Animal Services officer Steve …

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week

Adoptable Dog of the Week: You Need Bling

He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.

This week's adoptable dog is Bling, a brindle and white pit bull mix. Bling (ID# A054296) is a one-year-old neutered male who is loves to play tug of war and loves to run. He will sit and shake for a treat and is motivated by food. Bling has been with Manatee County Animal Services since Nov. 11 when he was confiscated in an animal cruelty case. You can visit Bling at the county's downtown adoption center. Adoptions, which include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check, and microchip, are $80 for dogs, plus a $10 license fee for those in Manatee County, and $60 for cats, plus the license fee. The downtown adoption center is open  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The adoption center will be …

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Snoopy Will Steal Your Heart

She's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.

This week's adoptable dog is Snoopy, a Labrador Retreiver mix. Snoopy (ID# A053270) is a one-and-a-half-year-old spayed female who loves to play. This little girl has a lot of energy and a fun personality. She knows how to sit and will settle down quickly for a treat. Snoopy has been with Manatee County Animal Services since Sept. 19 when she was picked up as a stray. She is ready to find a forever home today and would like nothing better than to spend Christmas with your family. You can visit Snoopy today at the county's downtown adoption center. Adoptions, which include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check, and microchip, are $80 for dogs, plus a $10 license fee for those in Manatee County, and $60 for cats, plus the license fee. The …

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Make a Shelter Dog's Holiday More Comfortable; Help Build a Bed

Orphaned animals need a bed for the winter. Animal Services needs volunteers to help build them.

Manatee County Animal Services is working to make sure every orphaned dog has a bed to lay on. The county shelter is currently in need of 100 shelter approved Kuranda Beds and has been able to purchase 50 of the beds thanks to public donation. To celebrate, Manatee County Animal Services and Picture Them Adopted, the volunteers who photograph shelter animals, will host a Build A Bed Pizza Party. The Dec. 20 party is designed to get party-goers to assemble the beds. The party starts at 10:00 am at the Palmetto Animal Services Facility, 30525th St. W. Palmetto.   Volunteers are encouraged to wear pajamas for the photos. Closed toe shoes are required however. Be one of the volunteers to make it a merrier Christmas for the county's shelter …

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week

Adoptable Cat of the Week: Linus Will Make Your Christmas Bright

He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.

This week's adoptable cat is Linus, a short-haired brown tiger. Linus, a three-month-old neutered male, loves people and attention. He is playful and sweet. He has been with Manatee County Animal Services since Nov. 13 when he was picked up in the 2100 block of 22nd Avenue West. You can visit Linus (Animal ID A054313) at the Manatee County Animal Services downtown adoption center this week. The downtown center is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Adoptions at Manatee County Animal Services, which include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check and microchip, are $80 for dogs, plus a $10 license fee for those in Manatee County and $60 for cats, plus the license fee. During the month of …

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Owl is High Energy

He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.

This week's adoptable dog is Owl, a brindle Boxer mix. Owl (ID# A054034) is a one-year-old neutered male with who still has a lot of puppy in him. He is full of energy and loves to play. He does need to learn a few manners and would benefit from obedience school. Owl has been with Manatee County Animal Services since Oct. 29 when he was found wandering in the 300 block of 15th Street East. You can visit Owl at the county's downtown adoption center. Adoptions, which include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check, and microchip, are $80 for dogs, plus a $10 license fee for those in Manatee County, and $60 for cats, plus the license fee. The downtown adoption center is open  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday …

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Manatee County Animal Services Offering December Adoption Special

Cats are free during December, although the $15 license fee will not be waived.

Studies show petting a cat can lower your blood pressure and help relieve stress. Their purring promotes relaxation (that's not based on a study, but rather presonal experience). Well if you're concerned about wellnesss, Manatee County has a deal for you. Manatee County Animal Services is offering cats for adoption at no cost in December. That’s right, cats are free while supplies last. The Manatee County license however, is still $15. Any and all cats, all shapes, sizes and colors, at no cost to you. No down payments, no interest and you're free to adopt a pair of cats.  All pets adopted will receive a health check, be spayed/neutered, vaccinated including rabies and microchipped. Now the disclaimer in not so small print; Free does not …

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