Manatee County takes over Bishop Animal Shelter

MAANTEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – Manatee County has officially taken over the management and operation of the Bishop Animal Shelter from the Bishop Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Manatee County.

The donation of the $18 million state-of-the-art facility was coordinated by the County Department of Animal Services and Bishop Council.

The property, at 5718 21st Ave. W., spans over 14 acres and includes a nearly 25,000 square foot medical/admitting center, adoption center, home, and other personal property.

Under the agreement, the county must operate the shelter with a 90% live release rate and limit operations to animal care and maintenance.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of this donation,” said Sarah Brown, Manatee County Animal Services Division Manager. “We are excited about the expansion of animal services to a third location and the care we will be able to provide to the animals.”

The new shelter will be used as a reception facility due to its extensive veterinary facilities. This means that all strays, lost and found animals, bite quarantines, injured strays, and animals involved in any field investigation cases will also remain at this facility.

Beginning March 22, residents who have lost their pet or found a stray animal will be required to report to Bishop Institution. The Palmetto Shelter on West 25th Street will remain open for adoptions only.

The county also operates Cat Town at 216 Sixth Avenue East in Bradenton.

Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved.