FWC gives good marks to Save Our Seabirds

Save Our Seabirds received good marks during an unannounced inspection of the facility last Wednesday by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A July 3 inspection report describes the facility as “in overall good condition with all pools clean, adequate perching and enclosures safe for the birds.”

The only discrepancy noted in the report was the need for additional shelter for some larger birds during heavy rains.

After former SOS volunteers and a former employee raised allegations at the July 1 Sarasota City Commission meeting, and the commission directed city staff to gather all reports, including complaints, about the facility, from the FWC, FWS and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office from the last five years.

The volunteers and employee alleged that they witnessed rats kill or maim birds and that the facilities are inadequate.

For more information, pick up a July 11 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].