Top Stories - East County: February

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and several other local and state agencies are executing a search warrant today at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, located at State Road 64 East.

More than 300 dogs, cats, horses, pigs and other animals are being confiscated from the property, due to poor health conditions, says Dave Bristow, public information officer for the sheriff's office.

The investigation, which began in December, involves possible animal cruelty and fraud.

"We found the animals in worse condition than we anticipated," Bristow said. "Our people had to wear gas masks just to get in. You couldn't breathe. The smell was terrible. It's one of the worst situations like this I've seen."

Bristow said the Manatee County Building Department has deemed the property unsafe.

All animals will be removed from the property, in a process that may last into tomorrow.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, one of the agencies assisting, is bringing animals to its facility on Lorraine Road.

Kam McCarthy, a board member at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, said her organization has transferred roughly 50 dogs — using three vans — to its facility.

Most of the dogs were covered in fleas and ticks, McCarthy said, and some were covered in feces. Some dogs are pregnant and others had just delivered newborns.

"It's very emotional to see these animals in these conditions," McCarthy said. "But we are relieved they will be safe now and put in good homes."

McCarthy said Nate's Honor Animal Rescue is using "every corner" of its facility to take in the extra animals.

Veterinarians at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue are inspecting the dogs, bathing and grooming them.

Soon, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue will reach out to families who can foster the animals.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue was sending two more vans to Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary today, to transfer more animals, including cats.

The property owners of Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, who live on the property, were out of town during the execution of the search warrant.

The sheriff's office used undercover detectives and other research to gather evidence before executing the search warrant.

No arrests have been made at this time and no charges have been filed, and the investigation continues.