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. 

Gulf Coast Humane Society rescued 64 dogs Tuesday afternoon from a hoarding case in Clewiston. It was part of a multi-agency initiative that took approximately 250 animals. Animal control officers say the dogs were all in good shape but the woman admitted she couldn’t take care of them all anymore.

The dogs, which include a variety of purebreds, will be available for adoption or foster care within the next few days.

The agency is putting out an urgent plea for volunteers and fosters.

The owner will not face any charges because she willingly gave up the dogs.

The Estuary Conservation Association in Naples is hosting a sea turtle conservation and biology forum this week. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Saturday is what’s called the Fall North American Migration Count. It’s sponsored by the Florida Ornithological Society, and supported by local Audubon Chapters and bird clubs. Charlie Ewell is the count’s Lee County Coordinator. He told WGCU’s Mike Kiniry the goal is to get a snapshot of migratory patterns…in hopes of gaining an understanding of long-term trends.





To Contact Charlie: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / cell (239) 691-8562



Charlotte County residents can contact Pete Quasius at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Folks in Glades or Hendry Counties should contact Margaret England at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Veterinarians from the University of Florida and SPCA are examining more than 600 chickens removed from two sites Tuesday in Lee County. Law enforcement officials say many of the birds were used for illegal cockfighting. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Lee County health officials Thursday identified a rabid bat in Estero and warn residents to keep caution. For the Healthy State Collaborative, WGCU’s Farah Dosani reports.

Twenty-one brown pelicans and 11 northern gannets were released Monday on a Sanibel Island Beach.  The birds were rehabilitated after being coated with oil from the Deep Horizon well blowout in the Gulf.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker prepared this report.

The Naples-Ft. Myers Greyhound Track has closed for the summer – and that means of racing dogs are available for adoption.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released its annual “state of the birds” report focusing on threats posed by climate change. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

The National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Panther Island Mitigation Bank in Collier County received international recognition Thursday as wetlands of international importance.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.