Time to build modern county animal shelter

It is time to build a modern county animal shelter.

In 2011, Manatee was the first Florida county to declare itself “No Kill.” We all applauded.

In 2014, business leaders, animal advocates, government officials and others were interviewed to get their reactions to the idea that Manatee could become a national animal welfare convention destination. More than 90 percent of the respondents enthusiastically supported the concept.

They added their belief that more than $5 million in private monies could be raised to build a new county shelter to serve as a destination focal point.

For years, our private animal shelters have been doing exceptional work, saving thousands of lives. So it was no great surprise when the top two fundraisers in the 2016 area-wide Giving Challenge were Cat Depot and Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Other shelters also raised significant sums.

Clearly, our citizens support animal causes. Why? It is not solely because so many people love animals.

As the respondents in the 2014 interviews recognized, animal centrism is big business. At $60 billion annually, the pet industry is among the nation’s leading business sectors.

Moreover, as our new shelter unfolds, Manatee will expand tourism; promote a regional emphasis on kindness that will permeate our colleges and schools; more of our residents will experience the happiness and proven therapeutic aspects of pet ownership, and so much more.

Meanwhile, our hometown will come to be recognized as that place where the emphasis is on things that truly enrich lives. We are already home to nationally renowned, life-enriching treasures like Southeastern Guide Dogs and Mote Marine Laboratory. We have several first-class private shelters. And, we have caring citizens ready to save more lives.

Let’s build it!

This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 3:40 PM with the headline "Time to build modern county animal shelter."