Manatee County became the first in the state to make a commitment not to euthanize any healthy animals brought to its shelters this week.  The county commission approved the resolution Tuesday.

Manatee County Animal Services has been preparing for the impact of the no-kill resolution for two years. It’s been recruiting volunteers to foster animals and veterinarians, groomers and others to provide services  to help cash- strapped owners retain their pets.   

Chief of Animal Services for the County, Kris Weiskopf explained the difference between no-kill shelters and no-kill communities.

“Our humane society here in Manatee county claims to be no kill – the difference in those is they can shut their doors and turn people away, whereas open admission shelters, county government, city government, cannot and do not,” he said.

The county has also stepped-up its trap, neuter, release program for feral cats.

People who want to surrender pets in Manatee County have to show proof of residency.

Weiskopf said the only way the county can keep the no-kill resolution is the help of the community.  Animal Services will hold an Open House at 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the downtown Bradenton Library to let people know how they can help.