MANATEE COUNTY- Overpopulated and overwhelmed. Dogs and cats all over Manatee County are crowded at shelters and the humane society, just waiting to find their forever homes.
“There are thousands of mixed breed dogs that are going to become loyal loving family companions that are in our shelters right now,” said Rick Yocum.
With a second Petland store coming to Manatee County, Rick Yokum stands firmly with the phrase adopt don’t shop.
“Adopt don’t shop makes all the sense in the world. When you shop in a puppy store, you’re supporting the puppy mills for the most part,” said Yocum.
A potential retail pet ban could be pawing its way to Manatee County as well. Commissioner Carol Whitmore and Assistant County Attorney Anne Morris are researching what other communities have done, and what options there are to restrict the retail sales of puppies and kittens, which may have come from “puppy mills” where the animals are bred in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
“Rest assured this will not go away,” said Witmore. “Rest assured the animal activist or whatever you want to call them, supporters are very adamant that this happen.”
Although Whitmore is researching and finding a way to advocate for animals on the Suncoast, she says education is key.
“When you educate the public and let them know that our animal services shelter is geared for 80 dogs, today we have 130, sometimes we have 200 plus over a hundred cats. You pay between 3 and 5000 dollars for a puppy in one of these retail stores where you pay 81 dollars at Manatee County for an animal that really desperately needs a home.”
SNN did contact Petland for comment, but they did not reply.