Cats abandoned along Bradenton road. Why animal advocates want your help
The story of several cats left to starve on a Bradenton roadside is inspiring a renewed call for humane treatment of animals in Manatee County.
Manatee County Animal Welfare officers recently found three cats in an abandoned crate in Bradenton. One was dead, and the two survivors were severely malnourished.
Officers said they found the crate pushed back into tall grass and brush along a side road off of Lena Road. A caller spotted it on July 29, moved it closer to the road and contacted animal welfare officers, according to the agency.
“It was clearly hidden,” said Michael Strollo, communications coordinator for Manatee County Community and Veterans Services. “There was malicious intent.”
Abandoned cats recovering at shelter
Strollo said the surviving cats, both neutered males believed to be between 1 and 4 years old, were so emaciated they appeared to have gone without food for an extended period. The cats weighed just 4 and 5 pounds when found, far below their healthy range of 8 1/2 to 10 pounds, he said.
According to Strollo, the cats were first treated at an emergency veterinary clinic, then transferred to Bishop Animal Shelter for ongoing care. He said veterinarians are introducing a slow, medically supervised feeding process to avoid dangerous complications from refeeding after starvation.
“A lot of people think, whether it’s a starving human or a starving animal, that they want to feed them as much and as quickly as possible, but that can actually make them extremely sick,” Strollo said.
Despite their ordeal, “they are extremely sweet and extremely affectionate,” he said. With continued recovery, Strollo said the cats are expected to be ready for adoption in the coming weeks through the shelter’s Cat Town program.
Animal Welfare investigates abandonment
Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the crate, described as bright pink with a black handle, to contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933. Strollo said officials are especially interested in hearing from anyone who recently sold or saw one on a secondhand site such as Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.
“This is really going to be a community-led initiative. See something, say something,” Strollo said. “If you are struggling to feed or care for your pet, please call us. We have resources like our pet pantry. Abandonment is never the answer.”
