Live Breaking News & Updates on Animal Shelter Executive Director Keith Pratt

Property size: 38 acres
Total dog capacity: 136
It was just a few weeks ago Manatee County commissioners were debating whether to spend $10 million on a new shelter for the county s Animal Services Department.
They didn’t know a 38-acre plot twist was just around the corner.
Though nothing is official, the Mary E. Parker Foundation wants to donate the Bishop Animal Shelter to Manatee County, according to administrative trustee Bob Blalock. The foundation owns the shelter, which was founded by Parker’s adopted parents, Lillian and Edward Bishop.
The foundation is planning to donate roughly half of the 38-acre property to the county for the purpose of sheltering animals. It’s unclear what will happen to the other half of the property, an area that includes walking trails, but Blalock said any potential use must be animal-related. ....

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