Sheriff's office gains custody of animals

EAST COUNTY — Moments of horror still wrench Dari Oglesby’s heart, as she watched volunteers interact with animals rescued from Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Rescue Feb. 5.

“A dog just peed on a treat,” she said, sighing. “It didn’t know what to do with it.”

Volunteers at Nate’s and other rescues that took in the more than 300 animals confiscated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office continue socializing and caring for them. A judge granted the sheriff’s office custody of the animals March 6, but it likely will be several weeks before the animals are ready for adoption.

“(The animals) aren’t medically ready,” said Oglesby, Honor’s executive director. “I want to make sure everything is right.”

Oglesby said of the 62 dogs rescued by Honor, 70% require dental work. Ten animals received more specialized care, including treatments for hernia, back disease and severe mange, from Ranch Animal Hospital. And this week, Honor planned to begin spaying and neutering the animals it had taken.

The sheriff’s office signed over animals to Honor Monday, so they now can be adopted, Oglesby said. However, few animals are ready to be placed in homes, primarily because of medical reasons.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office Dave Bristow the sheriff’s office continues its criminal investigation against Alan and Sheree Napier, owners of Napiers Log Cabin Horse and Animal Rescue.

RESCUES
The following organizations have taken animals confiscated from Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary:
• 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

The Manatee Community Foundation has established an Animal Welfare Fund to assist local shelters. To make a donation or for more information, call the foundation at 747-7765.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].