ANIMAL CRUELTY (leading to death)
LEGAL REGISTRATIONS
Sunbiz - DISSOLUTION
Florida Department of Agriculture: DENIED
IRS EIN: 47-0943243 REVOKED
Official Statements
Feb 5, 2014
Feb 7, 2014
Department of Agriculture Denial Letter - Feb 12, 2014
Napier Family Farm & Animal Rescue. Also dba Horse & Wildlife Sanctuary in Bradenton
Cat Breeders
Great Non-Profits Reviews
March 12, 2013
This facility claims to be an animal sanctuary, however, the conditions as I've witnessed from the main road seem completely unsuitable for animal care taking. Napier's Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary, Inc., has five acres at the back of the property, which has no animals on it, it is mostly scrub and sand and is at least 5-feet high in most spots.
In addition, there is no public access to Napier's Log Cabin & Animal Sanctuary, Inc. and all animal viewing is by appointment only even though it's a nonprofit; no one can set foot on the property unannounced. Animal control has come to the property on several occasions because of complaints of animal neglect/abuse. At last count there were 110 dogs, 48 cats, 16 horses and four hogs -- none of which can been seen from any vantage point of the property. Don't believe me? Ask for police reports on Napier's Log Cabin & Animal Sanctuary, Inc. before giving these people any more of your money. Some of the reports read that animals are sick with descriptions of what is seen as "green mucus coming from eyes."
January 5, 2013
We adopted a puppy from Napier. The puppy was presented to us covered in feces and urine and really stunk. The paperwork we received smelled bad too... literally... as its sitting on our table outside to air out and after 5 days the papers still smell awful. Our vet also said the puppy tested positive for intestinal parasites that are typically found in poor quality untreated water. We had to put him on parasite meds and he had a bacterial infection in his intestines too so he is on an antibiotic now.
We also had to meet the animals and owners outside at night in the rain and when we asked to see where the animals are housed we were told no. This made us very leary of the quality of care of the animals at this shelter. This is a non-profit shelter however their prices are very expensive and are not negotiable "donations" which made us questions the validity of the non-profit status.
We were also given 30 days of free pet insurance through 24 Pet Watch. We received 5 emails from 24 Pet Watch saying we needed to login to receive the insurance. We tried to do this multiple times with the code we were given from Napier. It was invalid so we called the 800 number to 24 Pet Watch and were told that the code and our name were not valid with them. They asked for us to email them our proof which we did. We also emailed them throught their website and called back again and never received any follow up nor did anyone answer the phone. So we have no insurance. At this point we cant tell if its Napiers fault or Pet Watch.
Manatee County Animal Services post on Facebook
Between Wednesday and Thursday we impounded 29 miniature Schnauzers from a hoarding type situation. We are happy to say that all of them have been transferred to our rescue partners. We want to thank Certified Pre-Owned Rescue, Honor Animal Rescue, Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, VIP Rescue, Napier's Animal Sanctuary and Bishop Animal Shelter!! Thank you very much for your assistance!
Images from hoarding bust:
ARREST
NEWS ARTICLES
Manatee animal sanctuary, Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, under investigation for animal abuse
Feb 5, 2014
Manatee County, Florida -- A multi-agency raid on an animal rescue center in East Manatee County found hundreds of animals living in poor conditions, according to Manatee sheriff's deputies.
Behind the gate at Napier Horse and Animal Sanctuary off State Road 64, deputies found more than 300 animals, mostly dogs such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. Deputies also found cats in cages, nine emaciated horses, goats, geese, pigs, and chickens.
"What we're finding is deplorable," said Dave Bristow, spokesperson for the Manatee Co. Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said the filthy conditions were home to about 30 of the dogs. Bristow said, "Conditions I can't believe someone would live in, but they are."
The conditions were also deemed "unsafe" by the county. Volunteers checked the animals one by one. Some looked better than others. Local rescue groups picked up the healthier ones.
"It's a happy day for these animals to get out of here," said ChrisLegge with the Lakewood Ranch Humane Society.
"I'm elated," said Deborah Bird, president of the Florida Dachshund Rescue, Inc. Bird lives near Napier's sanctuary.
Bird said, "Nobody did anything for 10 years. This is our hallelujah day."
Bird said she and others have complained to the county about conditions at the not-for-profit animal rescue center. "One main issue -- a sanctuary should not be closed to the public. Those gates never opened," she said.
Then there are the pictures she took from a neighbor's home a few months ago. "Dead rats in food bowls, sick animals lying in feces," described Bird. The animal rights advocate said she spent many sleepless nights worrying about the animals at Napier's Sanctuary.
"You look at these faces, you can never forget them ... It took too long, too long," says Bird.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, owners Sheree and Alan Napier could face possible animal abuse and fraud charges. Deputies issued the search warrant while the Napiers were out of town on vacation. As for the animals rescued today, many will be put up for adoption.
Adron Walker, the attorney representing the Napiers, said, "This closure also occurred despite the fact that Alan and Sheree have maintained an open, continuous dialogue with Manatee County Animal Services for years and are typically inspected by Manatee County Animal Services on a quarterly basis."
Over 300 animals seized from Manatee County animal rescue
Feb 5, 2014
MANATEE COUNTY, FLA. – A nearly two-month investigation into an animal sanctuary and shelter continued on Wednesday when multiple agencies executed a search warrant, seizing over 300 animals from the property.
Investigators donned protective suits and masks before going inside a home at the Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary on State Road 64.
“You can smell it out here, so you can imagine how bad it is in there,” said Manatee County Sheriff spokesman Dave Bristow, referring to the strong smell of ammonia wafting through the air.
According to Bristow, during a search of the property, they discovered more than 300 animals including dogs, cats and horses being kept in unlivable conditions on the property.
“A lot of those dogs were in the house and the house was just absolutely filthy. We have removed all the animals and we are basically going and taking a look at all the animals to make sure they are going to be okay.”
Bristow said the floors inside the home were covered in urine and feces. “The thing is it appears people were living in the house,” said Bristow.
Three veterinarians were on hand to examine the animals. Bristow said the majority of them were in decent condition and could be nursed back to health. He said there were a few in bad shape including a puppy with mange and wounds on his skin.
“We have a criminal investigation into animal cruelty and fraud,” said Bristow.
A search of tax records show that Alan and Sheree Napier own the home and property. The Napiers were not present for the search of the their property on Wednesday but according to their website, they operate a no-kill animal shelter called Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary.
Jon May lives two doors down from the Napiers. “I’m sure they have a good heart taking animals in an everything but at some point you just got to say we are in over our head and we need help on it,” said May.
Manatee County Animal Services and multiple area animal rescue organizations are housing the dogs and cats during the investigation.
“They will be taken very well care of and hopefully when this is all over they will get adopted,” said Chris Legge from the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
On Wednesday, a Manatee County building inspector declared Napier’s house unsafe and prohibited its use or occupancy until required repairs and inspections are complete.
Anyone interested in donating food or supplies for these animals or if they have any other questions or information, can call the Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, ext 1151. For adoption questions call Manatee County Animal Services at 941-742-5933.
East Manatee animal rescue raided on questions of fraud and animal abuse
By JESSICA DE LEON jdeleon@bradenton.com
February 5, 2014
EAST MANATEE -- A multi-agency law enforcement effort including the Manatee Sheriff's Office, the state attorney's office and veterinarians have raided Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in East Manatee.
Investigators are executing search warrants at the animal rescue which for years has held a closed door policy and raised questions of selling animals that are sick or older than claimed.
Assisting in the investigation on site were also the Department of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Commission and Florida's Division of Worker's Compensation.
Workers from Honor Animal Rescue talk about a dog and her puppies at the Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary as over 300 dogs are processed after a raid on the rescue organization. Tips led the Manatee County Sheriff's Office along with several other local and state agencies to execute a search warrant on the property in East Manatee on S.R. 64 Wednesday morning.
Several crime scene units arrived and technicians appear to be processing the scene.
As of about 3:30 p.m., investigators had counted 185 dogs, with another 30 or 40 not counted. In all, there are about 300 animals: dogs, cats, horses, pigs and more, according to the sheriff's office.
Veterinarians have also arrived at the scene to assist. Investigators have found about 250 dogs, 60 to 80 cats, as many as 10 horses, chickens and goats. The owners who run the non-profit were not on premises when investigators arrived.
"Nobody's here right now," spokesman Randy Warren said. "We think they are on vacation."
At least one member of another local rescue group arrived to watch the commotion.
"I have been hoping for this for a long time, " Joan Ellis said.
Suspicions and rumors have circulated about the animal rescue group for years, she said.
"Anyone who doesn't have an open door policy worries me," Ellis said.
Investigators have reached out to Whispering Ranches Feed in Myakka City. The feed and animal nutrition store is expected to arrive with bales of hay for the horses as investigators focus on the dogs and cats first, Warren said.
Manatee County officials have deemed the building or property unsafe and use or occupancy is prohibited until repairs and inspections are complete, according to a sign posted.
Anyone interested in donating food or supplies for these animals or if they have any other questions or information, they can call the sheriff's office at 941-747-3011, ext 1151. For adoption questions, call Manatee County Animal Services at 941-742-5933.
Manatee Sheriff's Office Raids Animal Sanctuary
Feb 05, 2014
MANATEE COUNTY, FL - Hundreds of dogs, cats, horses and pigs were removed from a Manatee County animal sanctuary Wednesday and they were found in horrible shape- many of the animals were neglected or malnourished.
Manatee County deputies made the discovery while executing a search warrant, after learning about possible animal abuse and fraud.
This all happened at Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary on State Road 64.
Inside the gates of the sanctuary that sprawls around ten acres, around 300 animals were living in filth.
Tables and counter tops were littered with trash, and bugs were found crawling on kennels.
Many local animal groups were brought in to take the animals to safety.
Joan Ellis with Second Chance Boxer Rescue came to bring some dogs to a veterinarian.
Ellis said, "It's pretty unbelievable. There's dogs upon dogs all in terrible conditions."
"Their water is in a green, mucky plastic bowl," she said. "Their kibble is just thrown down on hard packed feces. There's a female that looks like she had a recent litter that's laying in a hole that she's dug out for herself."
Ellis said these animals had been neglected for a while.
She said, "They have not been abandoned. The level of care for what I would expect and what most of society expects for you to care for a pet is way below par here."
Officials say there were animals in really bad shape, but at this time no dead animals were found.
Back in December, the sheriff's office began investigating claims of animal abuse and fraud, so on Wednesday they executed a search warrant.
A spokesperson said detectives were collecting evidence to build a case.The official could not comment on the allegations of fraud.
The owners were out of town and no arrests are being made at this time.
According to the Napier's Log Cabin & Animals Sanctuary website, they are a non-profit 501 (c) (3) Florida corporation "dedicated to providing loving adoptive homes and sometimes permanent homes to animal in need." It continues to say they are a "No-Kill" Sanctuary that once and animal is accepted will always have a home, according to the website.
But, some animal rescue groups have had concerns about the place for years.
Colleen Malone with the Florida Dachshund Rescue said, "We've been trying to shut this place down for quite some time."
The sanctuary is operated by Alan and Sheree Napier. The owners' attorney, Adron Walker said in a statement: "This closure also occurred despite the fact that Alan and Sheree have maintained an open, continuous dialogue with Manatee County Animal Services for years and are typically inspected by Manatee County Animal Services on a quarterly basis.
The attorney said the closure occurred "despite every effort on the part of Alan and Sheree to cooperate with all possible governmental agencies that regulate the care of animals."
The attorney said no one from the county has ever sat down with the Napiers to discuss the problems with their facility.
Walker said since 2004, the sanctuary has placed over 1,600 pets into new homes. And from 2010 through 2013, the family has cared for 286 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens from Manatee County Animal Services.
The attorney goes on to say: "Alan and Sheree are doing all of their work without the benefit of any wealthy individual donors or large corporate donors and without the best of facilities or the greatest of resources compared to other rescue animal operations. They are taking care of, and have taken care of, hundreds of pets and other animals who would otherwise have no food, no shelter, no medical care, and no chance of adoption."
Walker asks, "Will the closure of Alan's and Sheree's sanctuary truly outweigh all of the good that it did?"
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is still ongoing.
Manatee deputies find dog, cat remains as investigation of Napier shelter continues
February 6, 2014
EAST MANATEE -- Investigators found the remains of 20 dogs and cats as they continued their investigation into possible animal cruelty at Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.
More than 300 animals were confiscated, including dogs, cats, horses, geese, hogs and goats during a raid by the sheriff's office and other agencies. About 12 of the animals have had to be euthanized, the sheriff's office said in a news release.
Investigators returned to the nonprofit at 20010 State Road 64 E. Thursday morning and discovered the dog and cat remains in several graves on the property.
No arrests have been made yet. Owners Allan and Sheree Napier could face charges of animal cruelty and fraud once the investigation is complete, according to investigators.
The investigation began after the sheriff's office received an anonymous tip Dec. 9.
The last animal was removed just before 7 p.m. Wednesday. Patrol deputies were stationed at the property throughout the night to secure what is still considered an active crime scene, according to sheriff's Sgt. Rob Hendrickson.
The sheriff's office said late Thursday afternoon that investigators did not expect to return to the property Friday.
Meanwhile, Animal Services facilities and local rescue groups have been overwhelmed with the large number of animals taken in Wednesday.
Anyone interested in donating food or supplies for these animals or has information regarding the case should call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, ext. 1151.
On its Facebook page, the Humane Society of Manatee County said the seized animals will not be available for adoption for at least two weeks. The Humane Society said it welcomes calls about the animals that are available for adoption, "but calls about the seized animals who are not available can take valuable staff time."
For questions about adopting the animals seized at Napier;s, call Manatee County Animal Services at 941-742-5933.
Manatee animal sanctuary, Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, under investigation for animal abuse
Feb 6, 2014
Manatee County, Florida -- A multi-agency raid on an animal rescue center in East Manatee County found hundreds of animals living in poor conditions, according to Manatee sheriff's deputies.
Behind the gate at Napier Horse and Animal Sanctuary off State Road 64, deputies found more than 300 animals, mostly dogs such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. Deputies also found cats in cages, nine emaciated horses, goats, geese, pigs, and chickens.
So far 12 dogs had to be euthanized and 8 shallow dog graves were found in the back yard.
"What we're finding is deplorable," said Dave Bristow, spokesperson for the Manatee Co. Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said the filthy conditions were home to about 30 of the dogs. Bristow said, "Conditions I can't believe someone would live in, but they are."
The conditions were also deemed "unsafe" by the county. Volunteers checked the animals one by one. Some looked better than others. Local rescue groups picked up the healthier ones.
"It's a happy day for these animals to get out of here," said ChrisLegge with the Lakewood Ranch Humane Society.
"I'm elated," said Deborah Bird, president of the Florida Dachshund Rescue, Inc. Bird lives near Napier's sanctuary.
Bird said, "Nobody did anything for 10 years. This is our hallelujah day."
Bird said she and others have complained to the county about conditions at the not-for-profit animal rescue center. "One main issue -- a sanctuary should not be closed to the public. Those gates never opened," she said.
Then there are the pictures she took from a neighbor's home a few months ago. "Dead rats in food bowls, sick animals lying in feces," described Bird. The animal rights advocate said she spent many sleepless nights worrying about the animals at Napier's Sanctuary.
"You look at these faces, you can never forget them ... It took too long, too long," says Bird.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, owners Shereeand Alan Napier could face possible animal abuse and fraud charges. Deputies issued the search warrant while the Napiers were out of town on vacation. As for the animals rescued today, many will be put up for adoption.
Adron Walker, the attorney representing the Napiers, said, "This closure also occurred despite the fact that Alan and Sheree have maintained an open, continuous dialogue with Manatee County Animal Services for years and are typically inspected by Manatee County Animal Services on a quarterly basis."
300 rescued, county inspections showed no "issues"
Feb 7, 2014
Manatee County, Florida- After Manatee County Sheriff's deputies found a shallow grave with the remains of eight dogs, they suspect there could be more animals buried in the yard at Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animals Sanctuary off State Road 64.
A multi-agency raid at Napier's Wednesday ended in the rescue of more than 300 animals- mostly dogs, but also cats, horses and farm animals. County records showed the sanctuary is owned by Sheree and Alan Napier.
Napier's and Manatee County Animal Services
Documents obtained by 10 News through a public records request show Manatee County Animal Services transferred 286 animals to Napier's between 2010 and 2013, receiving 92 of those animals last year. Manatee County Animal Services, a no-kill shelter, has transferred animals to 53 shelters since 2007, and Napier's is sixth on the list of shelters receiving the most animals.
The records also show Animal Services receiving nearly a dozen complaints since 2010, ranging from malnourished kittens, an emaciated dog, calls asking to verify the animals' health certificates and calls to check on the health and living conditions of the animals.
The reports show among the problems, inspectors found infestation of German roaches, cages in flood prone areas and crowded cages- which resulted in Animal Services issuing a "proper shelter" notice in September 2011.
According to inspectors, most visits showed no "serious" issues and "no Animal Services issues."
The reports show on several occasions Animal Services Officers arrived to the sanctuary on State Road 64 for an inspection, and found the gates locked, and no one at the facility.
In June, a letter from the Manatee County Commissioners' office called for Manatee Animal Services inspectors to check the conditions at Napier's. The inspector found "no animal issues" to report.
Following an inspection in July, an Animal Services inspector reported the property was "unkept and overgrown" and advised the owners Sheree and Alan Napier to provide "proper shelter" and"sanitary conditions" fort he animals.
The inspector wrote, "At this time conditions are average for this type of rescue facility" and "did not observe any sick or injured animals while on the property."
By August, inspectors found the Napiers making some improvements- ranging from a reduction in overgrowth, fewer roaches, new cat boxes, cages placed in higher and drier areas, a new chain link kennel with cement floor and improvements to a dog shelter.
According to Adron Walker, the Napier's attorney,the couple asked Animal Services in November to temporarily stop sending animals while they made improvements. Records provided to 10 News show the last animal transferred to Napier's was on November 23.
Manatee Humane Society On Napier's
"So glad they are out of there," said the Humane Society's Executive Director Amy Van Dell.
The agency has taken in 35 dogs from the raid at Napier's Sanctuary. Van Dell remembers Alan Napier bringing some of his animals to her shelter for services over the last three years.
"He was not bringing us healthy animals," said Van Dell, estimating about 37 animals- mostly dogs- being brought in to be spayed and neutered. Van Dell said Napier used a grant provided by Manatee County Animal Services for its animals.
"Sometimes these animals were not able to have surgery. They were either sick, or underweight. I'd tell him they're not healthy enough to have surgery at this time."
Van Dell said Napier continued to bring in unhealthy dogs, and that put her animals at risk, so in November, she told him she would not see any more of his animals.
Napier's Animals Get A Second Chance
"Smile look how pretty I'm going to look," said Merrill Koven a volunteer at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch as she gave a Shiatsu-mix breed a bath. She said the dog's legs are colored yellow from standing in urine.
"Even though they can't speak, they know they've been saved. I see it in their eyes," Koven added as she wrapped the wet dog in a towel.
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue has taken in 62 dogs and 13 cats from Napier's Sanctuary. Volunteers are giving each one a makeover and socializing them with other animals and people.
"It's tragic. It's tragic, but they will get good homes; they're sweet dogs," said groomer Lisa Smith as she finished trimming a black and white terrier mixed dog.
Honor has double the capacity of the Manatee Humane Society. Honor officials say the animals are not ready for adoption yet, but some can be fostered.
Animal Rescue and Adoption Agencies say the best way to help is to adopt the animals the centers already have, so they can offer more room for the rescued animals as they recover.
While food and towels are helpful, rescue workers say cash donations are most helpful.
Besides contacting the animal rescue centers directly, one can make donations by calling the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011 Extension #1151.
Dead animals found at shelter
February 8, 2014
THE BRADENTON HERALD
MANATEE — Investigators found the remains of 20 dogs and cats Thursday as the investigation into animal cruelty at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary continued into a second day, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported.
More than 300 animals were confiscated Wednesday, including dogs, cats, horses, geese, hogs and goats, during the initial raid by the sheriff’s office and other agencies. About 12 rescued animals had to be euthanized, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
When investigators returned to the nonprofit at 20010 State Road 64 E. they discovered animal remains buried in a shallow mass grave at the back of the property.
“There was a couple areas of disturbed soil so we figured we would start there,” Sgt. Rob Hendrickson of the sheriff’s office said.
The remains appeared to have been buried at different times, he said.
Investigators also searched the home again.
“We are trying to make sure we didn’t miss anything,” Hendrickson said. “(Wednesday’s) concern was mostly about the animals, (Thursday) we are looking at details.”
No arrests have been made. Owners Allan and Sheree Napier could face charges of animal cruelty and fraud once the investigation is complete, according to investigators.
The Napiers also have properties at 4957 Wingate Road and 39760 Ballard Road in Myakka City, according to the Manatee Property Appraiser’s website. Investigators visited the Wingate Road site Thursday to determine if there was any animal abuse there. An investigator spoke with family members living on the property, looked at the animals and took pictures.
Four horses kept in a separate pasture next to the home were so thin their rib cages were visible. They only had a scattered pile of dirty hay contaminated with feces to eat.
The last live animal was removed just before 7 p.m. Wednesday. Patrol deputies stayed at the property all night to secure the crime scene, according to Hendrickson.
Of the animals seized, 63 dogs and 13 cats were taken to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue where officials said they were doing well.
“Last night all animals were seen,” board member Cam McCarthy said Thursday. “They were vaccinated, groomed and bathed, if necessary, and they were all examined by a veterinarian.”
Five animals required medical attention and were separated from the others, she said. “Of course, all of them had fleas and ticks. Then we tucked them into kennels making sure they have plenty food and water. We now have our volunteers sitting with them and socializing with them.”
Nate’s Honor exceeded capacity with the large number of rescued animals but they are managing, she said.
“Their care is not being sacrificed,” McCarthy said. “We have asked all our volunteers to come in and help.”
The animal rescue needs monetary donations, she said.
A new Animal Coalition Abuse Team was partly responsible for the bust Wednesday, County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said Thursday.
The task force, formed about 18 months ago, includes a variety of agencies to generate collective clout.
Member agencies include the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; municipalities such as Bradenton, Palmetto and Holmes Beach; animal rescue groups; and the State Attorney’s Office, she said.
The task force meets every three months, she said.
“Everybody went in as a team” once a citizen complained about the animal abuse that led to Wednesday’s bust, said Whitmore.
“Manatee County is not going to tolerate a human being or an animal abused,” said Whitmore. “We’ll put you in jail.”
Rescued animals cannot be adopted yet, but officials say they hope the public will adopt others to help with the overflow.
On its Facebook page, the Humane Society of Manatee County said seized animals will not be available for adoption for at least two weeks. The Humane Society said it welcomes calls about the animals “but calls about the seized animals who are not available can take valuable staff time.”
Call Manatee County Animal Services at 941-742-5933 with questions about adopting other animals to ease the overflow.
Animal Services facilities and local rescue groups have been overwhelmed by the large number of rescued animals. To donate food or supplies for the animals, or supply information about the case, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011, ext. 1151
Manatee County will probe Napier animal shelter case
February 12, 2014
MANATEE -- Vowing they "can and will do better in the future," county officials said they plan to conduct an internal audit to evaluate how complaints about animal cruelty at the Napier Family Farm and Animal Rescue have been handled.
The probe will review how Manatee County Animal Services employees dealt with those who operated the East Manatee farm, dating to 2009 or before, said Deputy County Administrator Karen Windon.
"We will be cooperating in every way possible," she told county commissioners during their meeting Tuesday.
A multi-agency law enforcement effort led by the sheriff's office executed a search warrant last Wednesday at the farm, 20010 State Road 64 E., rescuing roughly 300 animals from deplorable conditions.
It is not clear which law enforcement agency will handle the investigation.
Peter Lombardo, an attorney for owners Alan and Sheree Napier, said they were allowed back on their property Tuesday after authorities had concluded use of it as a possible crime scene.
The Napiers said authorities left two dogs in a kennel without food or water after the raid last week. Lombardo said the couple took the dogs with them, and the animals will live.
Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, said he did not know anything about the dogs or the circumstances.
to which Lombardo was referring.
A half-dozen members of the public issued scorching critiques at the commission meeting of county animal services personnel, saying they had not done enough to halt animal abuse at the privately owned rescue shelter.
After hundreds of animals were confiscated Feb. 5, eight more horses were rescued Monday from another Napier-owned property in Myakka City. One dog taken from the farm had to be euthanized Tuesday, according to Bristow.
"The good thing is, we think the majority of the animals will be saved," he said.
At the commission meeting, Betty Kish said she wanted to know whether any county inspections had taken place at the farm.
"If they allowed no inspection, there should have been no animals transferred there, and they should have been shut down," said Kish. "If there was an inspection, anyone who did it should be fired. That place didn't get that way overnight."
Nathan Levinson said he faulted Kris Weiskopf, chief of the animal services division. "Your constituents demand answers and actions on all these things," he said.
Lombardo said his clients thought county personnel had done a good job. "Unfortunately, the Napiers got a lot of sick animals," he said. "It's like blaming doctors" when they they are doing their best to treat ill patients, Lombardo said.
The Napiers saved a lot of dogs, cats and horses that otherwise would have been put down, Lombardo said.
No arrests have been made, but officials have said the Napiers could face multiple animal cruelty and fraud charges.
The couple will contest confiscation of their animals, and are innocent of wrongdoing, Lombardo said.
"It's our position they did nothing wrong," he said.
Rescue "stretched thin" caring for animals from cruelty cases
Feb 13, 2014
Lakewood Ranch, Florida- Animal Rescue groups in Manatee County are feeling overwhelmed Thursday night, as they receive more animals needing help.
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch says it's taken in 100 dogs and cats in the last week. Karen Slomba, Honor's Associate Director, says the last 14 animals come from two separate animal cruelty cases in the last two days.
Honor is already caring for 86 of the animals removed from Napier's Sanctuary last week. Deputies raided the facility after complaints showed animals in poor health and living conditions.
Slomba says, "We haven't been able to increase our staff. We don't have additional funds for that. A typical day for our volunteers is from 7 in the morning to 10:30 at night. We're stretched very thin."
Honor's says the best way to help is to adopt one of the dozens of animals ready for a new home. Honor has about 60 dogs, besides the 100 rescue animals, ready to be adopted. Slomba says another way to help is through cash donations to cover the veterinary care the rescues need.
Documents reveal conditions at Manatee animal rescue
Feb 18, 2014
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (WFLA) - Documents obtained Tuesday exclusively by News Channel 8 spell out more about the conditions at Napier's Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary, which deputies took hundreds of animals from earlier this month.
An affidavit and search warrant suggest that the organization, at 20010 State Rd. 64 East in Bradenton, solicited funds as a charity when it shouldn't have.
"I have confirmed with the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture that Napier's Animal Rescue's registration to solicit funds as a charitable organization had expired July 13th 2013," the paperwork states. "I have confirmed that Napier's continues to solicit donations."
Peter Lombardo, a Bradenton attorney who represents the rescue's owners, says the operators paid a fee to the state to clear that up.
"Unfortunately the Sheriff's Office didn't mention that in their affidavit for a search warrant," Lombardo said. "I think it's misleading. Were there animals that were sick? Of course there were. Were there animals that died? Of course there were. But without knowing how the animals were when they came - to the Napier Sanctuary - it's impossible to say that the Napier's abused any of these animals."
The documents outline the hundreds of animals taken from the sanctuary that day: horses, dogs, cats, goats, pigs, ducks and chickens. One list details the decomposed animals found on property including, 14 decomposed dogs, four cats, a goat and a "feed bag with unknown amount of small dogs."
"Every single one of those animals that was put down at the Napier Sanctuary - was done with the approval of their veterinarian," Lombardo said, adding that the rescue took in animals others turned away. "There were a lot of other people who had the opportunity to take these dogs and they refused to do so because they were so sick."
Jodi Sorrentino,a veterinarian at Ranch Animal Hospital in Manatee County, is now treating some of the dogs and cats taken from the sanctuary.
"We have yet to see any records that any of these animals were receiving care," she said.
Sorrentino said most of the dogs had fleas or intestinal parasites and 15 of them had heart-worms. One of the dogs had to be euthanized because of the advanced stage of heart-worm.
"He really didn't have to die," she said. "If he had simply received heart-worm prevention, he would still be here."
State records show Napier's operated as charity with expired license
Feb 21, 2014
Bradenton, Florida- In a follow up to a 10 News Investigation on Napier's Horse and Animal Sanctuary, it turns out the rescue spent more than six months operating as a charitable organization after its state registration expired in July.
Aaron Keller, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says the state tried working with Alan Napier. When the registration expired May 13, 2013 Keller says the state gave Napier a 60-day extension until July 13.
Keller says the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sent several letters to Napier in October, November and December about his expired registration/license as a charitable organization, but all were returned.
State officials say Napier reapplied on January 13, 2014, but the state denied his application a month later.
Registering as a charitable organization is required by state law. The status gives charities tax exemption.
In a letter to Napier dated February 12, state officials outline their reasons for denying Napier's application. The letter refers to Napier's website where he claims "100 percent of donations go to caring for the animals and are tax deductible as allowed by law." The website has recently been changed and the claim removed.
State officials point to IRS returns for 2012 that show of the $105,868 in revenue from public donations, more than $56,000 was used for expenses related to "supplies," "printing," advertising and promotion; "occupancy" and "insurance." The letter also state's the Napier property serves as a family residence.
Among the reasons listed are also the solicitation of contributions without being "properly registered" with the state as a charitable organization.
The letter also refers to a raid earlier this month when Manatee County Sheriff Deputies removed more than 300 animals from Napier's. State officials say the search warrant "revealed evidence of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect."
No charges have been filed.
10 News stopped by Napier's Horse and Animal Sanctuary on State Road 64 Friday morning. It appeared someone was cleaning up the property. 10 News was unable to reach Alan Napier for comment.
The Manatee Sheriff has filed a petition asking a Manatee County Judge to give the sheriff's office custody of Napier's animals. If granted, the rescue groups can put the animals up for adoption. The hearing is set for March 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Napier sanctuary wants its animals back
Feb 25, 2014
Bradenton, Florida -- A follow up to a 10 News investigation regarding the Napier Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in East Manatee County, where deputies removed more than 300 animals earlier this month.
In a court hearing on Monday, the Napiers agreed to allow the Manatee Sheriff's Office to spay and neuter the animals that are now in foster homes or being cared for at other animal rescues.
Attorney Peter Lombardo also told reporters after the hearing that his clients want their animals back and they want to continue operating the animal sanctuary.
Alan and Sheree Napier filed for bankruptcy on February 18, a few hours before their home went on the auction block due to foreclosure. Since then, the Napiers have been seen at the property cleaning it up. There are bags of trash out front, filled with dog food boxes and feed bags.
"It's a rough time that they are going through," said Lombardo.
Manatee Sheriff's deputies conducted a raid of Napier's Horse and Animal Sanctuary on February 5 while the couple was on a cruise for their 27th wedding anniversary.
Lombardo said, "They think it's completely unfair. They want the animals. They'd like to have the option of donating the animals out."
Deputies removed more than 300 animals for alleged animal abuse and neglect, and poor living conditions.
According to the search warrant and petition filed by the Manatee Sheriff's Office on February 14th seeking custody of the animals, 12 animals were euthanized on-site, 20 animals were found buried in a shallow grave, a dozen dog bones were found in a burn pit, and deputies found an unknown number of dogs in a feed bag.
The search warrant also shows some of the animals suffered from ear/nose/eye infections, urine scalding, malnourishment, dehydration, anemia, lethargy, diarrhea, dental disease, corneal ulcers, external and internal parasites, fleas, lice and mange.
"We're talking about a rescue they. Take in sick animals, some got better, some didn't get better. All taken care of, given vet care. Like people, some of the animals passed away," explained Lombardo.
"It died a year later from kidney failure," said John Brower, referring to a dog he said he and Christopher Wilhelm bought from Napier in 2011. The men say they found the Pomeranian, named Mia, on Pet Finder and paid Napier $350. The dog was a gift for their elderly neighbor who had recently lost her dog.
"We drove in, they brought the dog out to the picnic table up front, and wouldn't let us pass it," said Brower. "This looked like a rat with mange hair, most of it missing. It was cute in a sad, pathetic way," said Wilhelm.
Brower said the dog turned out to be diabetic, had intestinal worms, and was infested with fleas. They groomed Mia before giving it to their neighbor. But at the time of the purchase, Brower said he bought the dog to save it. "My thought... rescue the dog. Rescue the dog from the rescue."
The Manatee Sheriff's Office is trying to gain legal custody of the animals, saying the Napiers are not fit to care for them. The Napiers' attorney said his clients want their animals back and plan to reopen the animal sanctuary.
Lombardo said, "They've been in business for nine years. Animal Services never had an issue with him. Animals Services was out on December 17, saw 100 dogs, didn't take any away or site Napier for anything."
10 News obtained through a public records request photos of that December 17 inspection. According to the inspection report, Manatee County Animal Services visited Napier's on 12/10/13 and 12/12/13. Both times, no one came out to the locked gate, notices were posted, and phone messages left. Inspectors returned on December 17 and reported Alan and Sheree Napier guiding them through the property.
Inspector Jerry Hill wrote in the report, "Although the conditions are not the best here at Napiers, they do fall under the county and state requirements."
Hill indicated in his report he asked if there were animals in the house and was told no. Deputies found dozens of animals stacked in kennels inside the Napier's home nearly two months later.
The custody hearing for the animals will be March 12. Both attorneys agree the hearing will take two days.
Napier's will give up animals to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Mar 6, 2014
The sanctuary is owned by Sheree and Alan Napier and by giving up their custody of the animals, rescue groups can now spay and neuter the animals and put them up for adoption.
The only two animals they are not giving up are two horses that are in the custody of their daughter and are in good shape.
Owners of East Manatee animal shelter arrested on cruelty, fraud charges
By JESSICA DE LEON
April 17, 2014
MANATEE -- The owners of an East Manatee animal sanctuary were arrested Thursday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Alan and Sheree Napier were arrested Thursday. Each is charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty. Alan Napier is also charged with one count of fraud.
"The animal cruelty charges involved nine dogs, five horses and one cat," the sheriff's office said in a news release. The couple was arrested at their home, according to the report.
Authorities from several agencies on Feb. 5 raided Napier's Log Cabin Horse Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E. More than 300 animals were seized and the remains of 20 others were found by law enforcement.
The sanctuary had been under investigation by the sheriff's office.
The investigation is still on-going and the Napiers could face additional charges.
Napier Animal Sanctuary owners arrested for animal cruelty
April 17, 2014
Manatee County, Florida -- Exclusive video from 10 News shows Alan Napier and his wife Sheree taken away in handcuffs by Manatee Sheriff's deputies Thursday afternoon on 15 counts of aggravated animal cruelty charges and one count of fraud.
"He's been allowed to get away with an awful lot -- why?" asks animal activist Deborah Bird who's referring to the recently updated website for Alan Napier's Animal Sanctuary which shows it appears to be open for business under a new name Napier's Family Farm and Animal Rescue.
"Animals on the website do not look in good condition. One is heartworm positive with dry eye and is obviously a breeder dog. The Pomeranian looks very sick too."
Manatee Sheriff deputies closed Napier's back in February during a raid that found about 300 animals consisting mostly of dogs and cats with some farm animals and horses which deputies said appeared to be abused and living in poor conditions.
"He needs to be in jail," says Bird.
Napier has spent the last couple of months cleaning up the property.
"It's up to us not to let him start up again," says Bird.
Napier's new website explains he takes in homeless animals that would be put down to assist with the county's mission to be a "No-Kill" community. He lists the number of animals Manatee Animal Services has transferred to him since 2010 -- 286 total -- and how many animals he's helped find homes, including 14 so far this year. But there's no mention of the raid.
Bird says Alan Napier's arrest along with his wife Sheree is in memory of the animals.
"So many new nothing but suffering," says Bird.
She says many animals have been saved, have new homes and are thriving, and for those that didn't make it, "this is for them."
10 News reached out to Alan Napier about his website. We spoke to him on the phone and twice he told us no comment.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says the investigation continues and more charges are possible.
Manatee veterinarian arrested in Napier Family Farm case
Apr 19, 2014
Dr. Edward Dunham was arrested at his home in Palmetto on Saturday.
Authorities in Manatee County have made a third arrest in connection with an on-going animal cruelty investigation at the Napier Family Farm and Rescue on State Road 64 near Bradenton.
Dr. Edward E. Dunham, 76, was taken into custody Saturday morning at his home in Palmetto. He was booked into the Manatee County Jail on one count of animal torture with intent. His bond was sent at $1,500.
On Thursday the owner/operators of the facility – Alan and Sheree Napier – were arrested on 15 counts of animal cruelty. The charges involved nine dogs, five horses and one cat. Alan Napier, 51, is also facing a fraud charge.
According to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report deputies executed a search warrant at the Napier Farm and Family Rescue on February 5th in response to several complaints about malnourished animals at the facility. Deputies and animal control officials seized over 300 dogs, cats, horses, pigs and other animals.
The Napier Family Farm and Rescue website lists Dunham as their Director of Veterinarian Medicine.
Sheree Napier was released on Friday after posting bond; Alan Napier was released after posting bond on Saturday.
Felony charge for vet who gave dog date rape drug during surgery
April 19, 2014
Bradenton, Florida - A veterinarian allegedly used a date rape drug -- common in minor cat surgeries -- on a dog during major surgery. Now, that doctor is charged with a felony.
It's the third arrest this week associated with the Napier Horse and Animal Sanctuary. It calls itself a non profit, no-kill rescue, but authorities say lately more harm than good has been happening there.
On Thursday, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Alan and Sheeri Napier were arrested and charged with animal cruelty after a three-month long investigation.
"I saw a lot of police cars and wondered what was going on there," said witness Elizabeth Greenwhool.
And deputies say it's not the first time neighbors have seen such police activity here. In February, hundreds of dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and other animals were confiscated from the property.
Now, authorities say Dr. Edward Dunham, the veterinarian at the shelter, is in trouble for causing unnecessary pain to a dog. He used Ketamine, which is supposed to be used with another sedative.
Deputies say it gives little to no pain relief for a dog. DEA says its street name is "Special K" -- a known date rape drug.
"For the most part, vets are concerned about animals. Not too often do you hear about one who doesn't want to help or neglects his duty to help," said neighbor Steve Harris.
The investigation is ongoing. Manatee County commissioners are looking into Manatee Animal Services after they handed over animals to Napier, despite previous warnings from Hillsborough County about the horrible conditions.
As shelter complaints mounted, animals suffered
May 11, 2014
MANATEE COUNTY - Email inboxes filled with complaints — sick animals, lethargic animals, flea-covered animals, underweight animals, animals with skin disorders.
There were about 20 complaints referencing Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary sent from 2010 through 2013 to Manatee County officials, according to emails obtained by the Herald-Tribune. The number of complaints fielded over the phone or in person likely adds to those written and archived.
Despite those complaints and inspections documenting less than ideal conditions, Manatee County Animal Services sent 286 dogs and cats to the East Manatee shelter during that time.
In February, the shelter was raided. More than 300 animals were confiscated, and investigators cited deplorable conditions.
Owners Alan and Sheree Napier face criminal charges as an investigation into animal cruelty and fraud continues.
“I've been doing this job for 33 years, and I have never seen anything this horrible,” Manatee County Sheriff's Capt. Lorenzo Waiters told the Herald-Tribune during the Feb. 5 raid. “It's hard to put in words.
“You try to imagine it in your head, but you go back and see it, and it's worse than you could ever imagine.”
"Conditions are average"
The scene that greeted those involved in the raid was horrific.
The smell of ammonia was overwhelming. Food was scattered over dried up feces. Cages were infested with fleas. Wood floors inside the home were soaked with urine.
But those conditions did not manifest overnight. And it's unlikely they arose only after Dec. 17, 2013 — the date of the last known inspection completed by Animal Services, when an officer noted that all the animals had food, water and shelter and that the Napiers were planning projects to improve the shelter.
“All though \ the conditions are not the best here at Napiers, they do fall under the county and state requirements \,” the officer wrote.
Jean Peelen, Holmes Beach commissioner and member of the Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board, has expressed concern that personnel were not accurately describing the facility.
“Conditions don't deteriorate like that in less than two months,” Peelen said.
A review of inspections dating back to 2010, when the transfer partnership began, shows a history of dirty conditions, flooded cages, sick-looking animals and roach infestations at Napier's.
“I find no major problems out here; it is a little dirty, but no more than expected,” an officer wrote in an inspection report from Jan. 26, 2011.
A similar report was made more than two years later.
“Food bowls were infested with German roaches,” an officer wrote on July 26, 2013. “At this time ASO believes that conditions are average for this type of rescue facility.”
Despite officials telling complainants that Napier's was subject to surprise inspections, few walk-throughs were completed on the first attempt. In most cases, officers went to Napier's to find the gate locked and no one home, records show. They would leave a notice and wait for the Napiers to call to set up an appointment up to a week later.
Hillsborough County stopped transferring animals to Napier's in June 2009 when an inspector observed inadequate living conditions: “poor sanitation, fresh shavings laid over old feces laid over shavings, strong odor of ammonia/urine and feces, excessive flies.”
The inspector noted that she spoke with Alan Napier on June 2, 2009, to set up the inspection for the following week.
“Appeared that the amount of animals currently on property was overwhelming even for a crew of people to take care of adequately,” the officer wrote. “Having a week to prepare for our inspections, there were still numerous shelter, water, food and vet care issues.”
That inspection report and photos were sent to Manatee County Animal Services in October 2009, three months before they began transferring animals to Napier's.
"Sick of complaints"
While some of the inspections at Napier's were routine, many were spurred by complaints from other rescues, neighbors and potential adopters who visited the sanctuary.
On July 12, 2010, Yvette Biggs emailed Animal Services with concerns she had about Napier's. A week earlier, she had gone there to look at a 9-month-old Chihuahua. When Alan Napier opened the gate, Biggs said that the dog was right inside the property, sitting in a cage on top of a picnic table. Biggs wrote that she had expected to meet in an office, especially since it was raining, and thought she might get to see other dogs on the property.
She also said she felt the $455 adoption fee was a bit costly.
“It wasn't the staging area that really got me upset,” she continued. “It was that the dog had a severe skin disorder on his entire body, feet and ears. The dog's nails and ears were also dirty.”
Alan Napier apparently explained that the skin condition was the result of a recent flea outbreak. But her brother and sister-in-law had adopted a dog from the same place eight months earlier.
“The dog also had a skin disorder, which I find very odd considering the length of time,” Biggs wrote.
Concerned by the dogs' health, Biggs asked Animal Services to launch an investigation into Napier's.
The following day, Animal Services Officer Joel Richmond forwarded her email to director Kris Weiskopf with the note: “Just another example of a Napier complaint.”
Neither Weiskopf nor Ron Koper, director of Public Safety, which oversees Animal Services, returned the Herald-Tribune's requests for comment on this story.
Animal Services briefly suspended transfers to Napier's in December 2012, when Richmond learned that “Napier's lawyer has reached out to some of the big groups about taking some of the animals from him as he has gotten overwhelmed,” an email states.
Two months later, four animals were transferred to Napier's.
In an email complaint dated Jan. 18, 2013, another Napier's visitor wrote that she adopted a puppy a few weeks earlier.
When she first saw the dog, she said it was “covered in feces and urine.”
Her family ended up paying about $500 for the Dachshund puppy, then several hundreds more in veterinary bills for treatment of mange and parasites.
“We couldn't morally leave the dogs in that situation,” said the woman, who asked that her name not be used.
At one point in July 2013, County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who fielded numerous complaints over several years, sent an email to Richmond expressing her frustration.
“This guy is about done!! I am so sick of getting serious complaints about his treatment of animals,” Whitmore wrote. “Can someone go to his place on a cold call and if he is breaking any of our laws, can we do something?”
Under investigation
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office launched a criminal investigation late last year — but only after an angry citizen bypassed the usual channels and went straight to Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro, who prosecutes animal cruelty cases.
“It involved a group of concerned citizens, some Facebook images of some emaciated horses and some upset neighbors,” the citizen, Cheryl Eason, said. “They all knew something needed to be done, and MCAS would not help after numerous complaints.
“The neighbors were getting nowhere with Animal Services, and they reached out for help and this is where I got involved,” Eason said.
She contacted Chittaro, who put her in touch with the sheriff's office.
By February, detectives had gained enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the property.
Marked and unmarked vans lined State Road 64 on the morning of Feb. 5. Detectives, veterinarians and advocates zipped themselves into hazardous materials suits and combed through the property.
They found deplorable conditions.
Rescue groups from around the region showed up to take as many animals as possible. Back at their operations, the animals went through assembly lines of bathing, nail-clipping, grooming and medical evaluations.
About a dozen had to be euthanized.
Dogs, cats and livestock totaling more than 300 animals were removed that day.
A subsequent search of the property revealed animal graves.
A few days later, several more horses were removed from another property used by the Napiers.
Alan and Sheree Napier were arrested on April 17 on multiple charges of aggravated animal cruelty for allegedly depriving animals of proper nutrition and medical treatment.
Alan Napier is also charged with unlawful solicitation of funds for allegedly seeking donations under the guise of a nonprofit organization despite the expiration of the sanctuary's nonprofit status.
Additional charges are pending the ongoing investigation.
Following the criminal investigation, the clerk of court's office will perform an external audit reviewing Animal Services' policies and procedures.
Pressures of no-kill
Though no officials from Animal Services will confirm that animals were being transferred to Napier's to maintain a no-kill rate of about 90 percent, the question has been raised.
“That's very clear that they were trying to make their numbers by giving their dogs to Napier's,” said Peelen, the Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board member. “That just disgusts me.”
Manatee County adopted the no-kill resolution in 2011. The next year, the number of dogs transferred to Napier's more than doubled. That same pattern was seen in 2013, until Manatee County stopped transferring animals there in November.
“That (no-kill) number means nothing unless the animals are treated humanely and taken care of,” Whitmore said. “My goal in this whole thing was to save more animals. I would never do anything to jeopardize any animals to reach that number, and I wouldn't tolerate if anybody did.”
When asked if any staff members ever mentioned that the no-kill initiative caused too much pressure or negative compromises, Whitmore said: “If it did it never came to my office.”
The Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board is scheduled to meet at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
At the meeting, the board is expected to vote on whether to send a letter drafted by Peelen addressing their concerns to the Manatee County commissioners.
Owners of East Manatee animal shelter arrested on more charges
By JESSICA DE LEON
jdeleon@bradenton.comJune 4, 2014
MANATEE -- The owners of an East Manatee animal shelter under investigation for animal cruelty and fraud have been arrested on additional charges, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Alan Napier, 51, was charged with one count of scheme to defraud and two counts of unlawful solicitation of funds.
Sheree Napier, 45, was charged with one count of scheme to defraud and once count of unlawful solicitation of funds.
Sheree Napier bonded out on Tuesday on bonds totaling $21,500. Alan Napier bonded out on bonds totaling $23,000. Both bonded out before appearing before a judge.
Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro filed the amended information with the additional charges, and warrants were issued for their arrests.
They were contacted by either the state's attorney's office or the sheriff's office, and it was arranged for them to turn themselves in Monday night, according to sheriff's office spokesman Dave Bristow. It is not uncom
mon for that to occur, Bristow added.
"They knew there was a decent chance there would be additional charges," Bristow said. "We will continue to work with the state attorney's office, and there could be additional charges."
Major Connie Shingledecker is overseeing the investigation with at least five detectives actively working the case. Chittaro said she cannot comment while the case is being prosecuted.
Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64, was raided Feb. 5 by a multi-agency law enforcement effort led by the sheriff's office. More than 300 animals were seized, and investigators later found the remains of 20 more. They described the state the animals were living in as "deplorable" conditions.
The couple were arrested on April 17 and each charged with 15 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Alan Napier was also charged with one count of fraud.
The Napiers are both scheduled to appear in court at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for a case management hearing.
Also charged in the case is Edward Dunham, a licensed veterinarian arrested on April 19 and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty. He is listed as the director of veterinary medicine at Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, according to Florida corporation documents.
Investigators say Dunham performed a spay and hernia repair surgery on a dog from the Napier facility without use of an appropriate anesthetic, according to a report.
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012. Reporter Amaris Castillo contributed to this report.
Trial date set in case against veterinarian for Napier animal rescue
By JESSICA DE LEON
June 4, 2014
Trial date set in case against veterinarian for Napier animal rescue
MANATEE -- The case against the veterinarian for the East Manatee animal rescue under investigation for animal cruelty and fraud has been set for trial in October.
Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E., was raided Feb. 5 by a multi-agency law enforcement effort led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. As a result, more than 300 animals were seized from what investigators called "deplorable" conditions, and the remains of 20 more were uncovered.
Edward Dunham, a licensed veterinarian listed as the director of veterinary medicine at Napier's, was arrested April 19 and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
Investigators say Dunham performed a spay and hernia repair surgery on a dog from the Napier shelter using an anesthetic only acceptable for cats during minor, brief surgical procedures or diagnostics.
Sheree Napier, 45, is facing one count of scheme to defraud, one count of unlawful solicitation of funds and 14 counts of animal cruelty. Alan Napier, 51, is facing one count of scheme to defraud, three counts of unlawful solicitation of funds and 15 counts of animal cruelty.
All three appeared in court on Wednesday but did not speak.
Dunham is set to stand trial on Oct. 20. No date was set for the Napiers, although the three are expected to be tried together.
"Because of the new charges, it probably would be appropriate to set a trial date at the next case management," Judge Charles Roberts said Wednesday.
Roberts did waive arraignment for Alan and Sheree Napier's new charges and accepted the entry of a not-guilty plea for those charges as well.
The next scheduled case management hearing is set for 10 a.m. July 9.
Dunham's right to appear was waived for that hearing, since his case has already been set for trial.
On Monday afternoon, Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro filed the amended information that included the additional charges, and the couple was contacted. Alan and Sheree Napier both turned themselves in Monday night at the Manatee County jail.
The couple bonded out Tuesday, Sheree Napier on bonds totaling $21,500 and Alan Napier on bonds totaling $23,000.
The sheriff's office investigation is still ongoing, and there is still the possibility of additional charges.
The couple was first arrested April 17.
Documents show charity owners took cruise and bought dogs with donations
A Manatee County couple headed to trial later this month on animal cruelty charges is now accused of stealing from their charitable organization.
Animal control officers and sheriff’s deputies seized 300 dogs last February during a raid of Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary.
Many were dogs crowded into pens or pulled from bug infested crates scattered throughout a feces-filled home.
The bodies of at least 20 deceased animals were also found on the property.
“In my 33 years of doing law enforcement, this has to be the worst that I've ever had,” said one deputy who participated in the raid.
But while animals were starving, the sanctuary's owners Alan and Sheree Napier were aboard a cruise at the time of the raid, according to their attorney.
Weeks later, they were indicted on 20 felony charges, including cruelty to animals, scheming to defraud and unlawful solicitation of funds.
Court documents obtained by the I-Team show multiple cruises taken by the Napiers were paid from the charity's funds, $9,000 worth of cruise vacations in four years.
Records also reveal not all of the Napiers’ dogs were rescued.
The couple is accused of buying 63 puppies from a Georgia kennel for $8,000, then doubled or tripled the amount the dogs brought in by charging high adoption fees.
Most of the animals seized last year ended up being adopted for lower fees through Manatee County Animal Services and area rescue agencies.
While the Napiers' attorney didn't respond to our request for a comment, their trial begins next week.
Tough task to seat jury in animal cruelty case
January 26, 2015
The lawyers in an animal cruelty case are being especially careful this week while choosing jurors.
I’m convinced they need to be, from what I know of my fellow animal lovers.
I’m thinking just a little of a nice neighbor who insisted the collar I was using was cruel and would hurt my dog. She said this even as my wonderful dog was leaping and barking with excitement at having that collar put on her, as usual, for her walk.
Judging by my experiences with people’s emotional reactions to animal-related stories, there is no way a defense lawyer can overdo efforts to eliminate potential jurors prone to flip out over any account of animals suffering.
Those people are generally nice, good and caring people. But some have their defensive instincts so focused on animals that they become harshly judgmental about anyone they suspect is even vaguely responsible in any way for an animal’s problems, no matter how accidentally. In extreme cases, that even includes blaming severe bite victims, if the incident results in a dog being locked up and potentially put down.
I’ve been repeatedly urged to believe that such attacks, even when seemingly unprovoked, are almost always entirely the fault of a human.
Recently, I wrote sympathetically about a man ticketed for leaving his daughter’s small dog in a closed truck cab. The man was a few steps away and had brought the dog along so it wouldn’t be alone. The sunset temperature was moderate and the dog comfortable and unharmed.
That did not get the guy off the hook with some dog lovers I heard from. Where I saw a nice guy who unknowingly committed a technical violation that did no harm, they saw an irresponsible abuser who could have killed his dog and got off easy.
The case on trial in Manatee County is different.
Alan and Sheree Napier, who ran Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, were charged with animal cruelty and fraud after a raid in which a sheriff’s captain described conditions as “worse than you could ever imagine.”
I am taking no a side in this trial about an animal shelter gone terribly wrong. If I did, my bias leans me in the direction that would make defense lawyers prefer to keep me off the jury.
Even so, I cringe to imagine weighing a verdict with any fellow jurors of the sort who react so emotionally to suffering animals that they couldn’t even try to be fair, or logical, while deciding whether defendants were proven guilty of a crime.
Even assuming the sheriff captain’s description of the place was totally right, the defendants are entitled to a jury that will require proof that what went wrong there was the Napier’s doing and was criminal in nature and not an excusable error or some sort.
Some people I’ve heard from over the years would not demand that proof, I’m convinced. They feel that whenever an animal suffers from anything that looks to them like neglect or abuse, someone must pay and that no extenuating circumstances matter.
Prosecutors should have an easier job.
They mostly need to avoid the far less likable throwbacks of the sort who insist a man has a right to do whatever he wants with his animals and government has no business butting in.
I’d really like to avoid ever being locked in a jury room with people who see things that way.
Napier animal abuse trial begins
January 27, 2015
The state warned a six-member jury of what Manatee County Sheriff deputies found the day they entered Alan and Sheree Napier's animal sanctuary on Feb. 5.
"The veterinarian could tell the dog was positive for tapeworms in an external examination because they were coming out of its body," state prosecutor Garrett Franzen said to the jury.
Franzen then told the jury of another dog, "You'll will see a dog with an open wound on its body, underweight, and covered in flees -- suffering."
The jury first heard from state witness Major Connie Shingledecker.
"The dogs were in bad shape," she said.
Shingledecker narrated an hour-long video of what she and deputies found when they entered Napiers' home wearing hazmat suits -- getting emotional at times.
Shingledeckers recalled the smell as an, "overpowering smell of ammonia, extremely strong, and feces."
The video showed filth, trash, clutter and roach infestations. Deputies found 26 dogs inside the home and multiple animals stacked in wire cages.
"There was no water inside bowls in the crates. They were bone dry," Shingledecker said.
Dozens of cats were found outside in pens and there were horses. "They were very thin, their hips sticking out," says Shingledecker.
The Napiers have also been charged with fraud, using money meant for the animals.
"You'll hear about thousands of dollars on personal purchases spent on cruise vacations," said Franzen.
Alan Napier's attorney waived opening statements, but Sheree Napier's attorney, public defender Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez, spoke to the jury.
"Sheree Napier loves animals. It was her dream to open a place to save dogs from being euthanized."
Joynt-Sanchez said Sheree saved hundreds of dogs, but the state argued many were neglected -- even died.
"They were taking people's money, not doing what they said they would do, and ultimately the victims were the animals that suffered on that property," Franzen argued.
The trial is expected to last into next week.
The Napier's case led to changes at Manatee County Animal Services. MCAS was criticized for sending animals to Napier despite dozens of complaints of alleged abuse.
Jury in Napier trial watches video of the deplorable conditions at East Manatee animal shelter
January 27, 2015
BRADENTON -- The first day of testimony in the case against Alan and Sheree Napier took the jury inside the property where hundreds of animals confiscated by law enforcement lived in urine-drenched and feces-covered conditions and where food and water were scarcely seen.
The owners of Napier's Horse and Animal Sanctuary sat in the courtroom, Alan Napier smiling and Sheree Napier appearing to barely look up, as the jury's eyes were glued to a video screen showing the deplorable conditions law enforcement arrived to when they raided the animal rescue nearly a year ago.
Alan Napier, 52, is facing one count of scheming to defraud $50,000, three counts of soliciting to defraud and 15 counts of animal cruelty. Sheree Napier, 46, is facing 14 counts of animal cruelty, one count of scheming to defraud $50,000 and one count of soliciting to defraud.
Alan Napier appears to smile as the court watches a video shot by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office of the deplorable conditions discovered at the Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary on the first day of the animal cruelty trial of Alan and his wife, Sheree.
If convicted, the couple could face anywhere from a little over three years in prison up 85 years in prison if sentenced consecutively. They are both currently out of bond.
For nearly an hour early Tuesday afternoon, the jury watched as the state's first witness, Manatee County Sheriff's Office Major Connie Shingledecker, narrated the video of the scene at the Napiers' property on State Road 64 East on the day of the raid, Feb. 5.
"The smell of the inside of the house was overpowering," she said prior to the video playing. "It was an overpowering smell of ammonia and feces."
Shingledecker and many of the people on scene were wearing hazmat suits brought by the crime scene unit, she said.
When questioned by Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen if the DVD would accurately portray what she witnessed the day of the raid, Shingledecker responded, "Everything but the smell."
Shingledecker appeared to get a little emotional early on as the video played, identifying to the jury the various parts of the Napier home and property being shown in the video.
"The carpeting was spongy, moldy and smelled terrible of urine and feces," Shingledecker said as the video took the jury into the upstairs of the home.
Throughout the video, she repeats seeing empty or feces-covered food bowls, empty or dirty water bowls and urine and feces.
Jury selection concluded Tuesday morning and the jury of three women and five men were sworn in. Two of the jurors will act as alternates.
During the state's opening statements Tuesday afternoon, Franzen used the dire conditions of specific animals confiscated during the raid to give the jury examples of the evidence that would be presented at trial.
Franzen told the jury they would hear about one dog that was so dehydrated it couldn't produce milk for its recently born puppies. Another dog was so underfed and neglected that when it finally had a bowel movement three days after being rescued. it passed twigs and rocks, he added.
"You'll hear about thousands of dollars in personal expenses including cruise vacations," Franzen said. "They were taking people's money and not doing what they were suppose to and the ultimate victims were the animals that suffered.
"The proof is in their bank accounts, the proof is in the checks they've written and the proof is in the condition of the animals."
Alan Napier's defense attorney Jason Reid reserved his right to make an opening statement. On Sheree Napier's behalf, Assistant Public Defender Jennifer said that opening the animal sanctuary had been her life-long dream.
"Every dime these couple had was spent on these animals," Joynt-Sanchez said. Joynt-Sanchez said family members paid for the cruises.
"What you will also see is they had very generous family that would write them checks that amount to thousands of dollars," Joynt-Sanchez said.
The state's claim that the Napiers frequently bought puppies and resold them for a profit were addressed.
"In an effort to sustain her dream, the non-profit would purchase more desirable puppies and place them on the website," Joynt-Sanchez said. Testimony will resume at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049.
Breeder testifies Napiers paid hundreds of dollars for puppies to sell
By JESSICA DE LEON
January 29, 2015
BRADENTON -- A dog breeder testified Thursday morning how Alan Napier paid him hundreds of dollars for multiple litters of puppies.
Alan and Sheree Napier sat quietly as the jury heard James Moore's testimony about his business dealings with the couple.
Alan Napier, 52, and Sheree Napier, 46, each face one count of scheming to defraud; one of soliciting to defraud; 10 counts of aggravated animal cruelty; and one count of animal cruelty.
If convicted, the Napiers face a minimum of three years in prison up to 85 years if sentenced consecutively. They are free on bond.
Thursday morning, the jury heard how Alan Napier purchased approximately 50 puppies over the course of time from Moore, a dog breeder in Georgia. The puppies were sold at a discounted price of $150 each, because Alan Napier would take the entire litter, Moore told Assistant State Attorney Brian Iten.
Over the years and the course of various transactions, only two dogs were given to Napier at no charge. One was too aggressive around the other dogs and a second because it kept digging out.
"The neighbors threaten to kill him," Moore said. "I figured it would be better off at the sanctuary than dead."
Both dogs had been adults, not puppies, he said.
"He was doing you a favor when he took those two dogs," said Assistant Public Defender Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez, representing Sheree Napier.
"Yes, I would say so," Moore replied.
Two veterinarians also testified about the condition of the animals they treated after law enforcement raided the Napiers' shelter on Feb. 5.
Jack Landess treated several dogs, including a Doberman Pinscher named Jax.
"You have a 49.6-pound dog, who should have weighed 70, 75 pounds," Landess said.
The jury watched as images of Jax were shown on an overhead projector, depicting a callous sore that Landess compared to a human bedsore. Jax was also dehydrated and was infested with fleas, he added.
After the raid, Jax gained six pounds in 48 hours just from getting a bath and being fed a regular diet.
Jason Reid, representing Alan Napier, questioned if Landess really knew where Jax was in the five days after the raid before he was brought to him.
"Well, I was told animal services," Landess said.
"But that's hearsay," Reid replied.
The jury also heard testimony from Luke Berglund, who was on the scene on the day of the raid and made the decision to euthanize at least two of the dogs for humane reasons.
"I think the dog had been suffering for a while," he said one of the animals.
During cross examination, Reid questioned Berglund's definition of suffering, indicating it varies from person to person.
"If I don't sleep the night before, I'm not going to come in to work and say I'm suffering," Bergland said.
Reid countered, that some people would.
After some hesitation, Bergland responded, "I guess."
Testimony will resume at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Veterinarian describes poor condition of animal seized at Napier's
By JESSICA DE LEON
January 29, 2015
BRADENTON -- A veterinarian testified Wednesday several of the 300 animals seized from an East Manatee animal shelter last year were suffering from dehydration, skin infections, heartworm and other ailments.
Alan Napier, and his wife, Sheree Napier, owners of the Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary on trial in Bradenton, listened to Pamela Wright describe what she found after law enforcement raided the shelter Feb. 5. She attributed the animal health problems to deplorable conditions at the shelter.
Alan Napier, 52, faces one count of scheming to defraud $50,000, three counts of soliciting to defraud and 15 counts of animal cruelty.
Sheree Napier, 46, faces 14 counts of animal cruelty, one count of scheming to defraud $50,000 and one count of soliciting to defraud.
If convicted, the Napiers face a minimum of three years in prison up to 85 years if sentenced consecutively. They are free on bond.
Wednesday afternoon, Wright testified several dogs taken in the raid suffered from dehydration, skin infections, ear mites, heartworm and tapeworm because of the filth they lived in.
One dog, tagged No. 22 at the raid and later renamed Connie, along with its puppy estimated to be 4 days old, were found in a dog carrier wet with urine and covered in cockroaches with no food and water inside, Wright testified. "She was extremely dehydrated. She had no milk production," Wright said. "Maj. (Connie) Shingledecker gave her water right there on the scene. By the end of the day she was making some milk."
Assistant public defender Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez, representing Sheree Napier, asked Wright if she could determine if the puppy had been without milk for a while and was dehydrated. She said the puppy wasn't dehydrated, but added it takes much longer for a puppy that young to become dehydrated.
Connie was one of many dogs found in the Napier home, which Wright described as deplorable. "Even with the air mask you could still smell the ammonia," Wright said.
Earlier Wednesday, the jury heard testimony from women who paid the Napiers hundreds of dollars for dogs or cats, some of which later died.
Joni Citron of Bradenton testified she adopted animals three times from the Napiers. The first time was Feb. 12, 2011, she told Assistant State Attorney Brian Iten. Alan Napier brought the puppy to her on a picnic table outside. "It was a little dirty, smelly and a little bit bruised," Citron said of the lemon beagle named Pipen. She paid Napier $550 for the dog. She soon returned with her husband to Napier to adopt a companion for Pipen named Toby. Toby, however, died a week later. "We took Toby back to the sanctuary, but he died in my arms on the way," Citron said. She was told to come back later for a replacement puppy, which they eventually did.
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.
Judge denies motion for mistrial following dismissed juror
By KATE IRBY and AMARIS CASTILLO
February 3, 2015
BRADENTON -- Circuit Judge Peter Dubensky ruled against a mistrial motion Monday morning in the animal abuse and fraud case against Alan and Sheree Napier.
The defense for Alan Napier, 52, and Sheree Napier, 46, moved for the mistrial after a juror was dismissed for visiting Whispering Ranches Feed following owner Beth Shuttleworth's testimony in the case Friday.
Shuttleworth told Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen a juror came to her ranch Friday to see Apple, one of the horses she discussed in court. She told Franzen the juror said her testimony had really spoken to him.
The dimissed juror confirmed he visited the ranch and had seen Apple "for two seconds." He said he had not mentioned his visit to anyone on the jury.
There are two alternate jurors so the trial resumed after the dismissal.
The Napiers each face one count of scheming to defraud, one count soliciting to defraud, 10 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count animal cruelty. If convicted, the Napiers face a minimum of three years in prison up to a maximum of 85 years.
Susan Keeton, a certified public accountant and fraud examiner, was the first witness called Monday to discuss the taxes and business activity at Napier's Log Cabin Horse
and Animal Sanctuary.
Franzen had her read several screenshots of websites where the Napiers solicited contributions and expressed the sanctuary mission and purpose.
"(The mission is) to provide a temporary home to unwanted animals until a permanent adoptive home can be found, and to provide a permanent home to animals that cannot be adopted," Keeton read. "One hundred percent of donations go to the care of the animals."
Assistant State Attorney Brian Iten questioned Keeton at length about the Napiers using different accounts for fundraising, the sanctuary and their for-profit business called Napier's Neighborhood Newspapers, in transactions "unrelated" to business pertaining to the animal shelter. In one register receipt dated June 24, 2011, Keeton listed some items purchased: soda, vegetables, corn and peas.
Iten also asked Keeton why she considered money spent by the Napiers to purchase dogs as "unrelated" to the operation.
"I've never seen an animal rescue organization purchase dogs from a breeder and I would say that would not be consistent with its mission of helping unwanted dogs -- homeless dogs," Keeton said.
Jason Reid, defense attorney for Alan Napier, tried to convince Keeton to reconsider some items as related to shelter functions. For example, Reid said soda should be considered related to the operation of the animal shelter.
"If they gave that soda to volunteers, wouldn't that be related?" he asked Keeton.
After some hesitation, Keeton said it was highly unlikely because of the volume of soda purchased.
Reid said people who work outdoors get dehydrated and drink soda.
"Florida's hot, correct?" Reid asked Keeton.
Keeton agreed.
After the state rested, defense witnesses included three veterinarians and two Manatee County Animal Services officers.
Jerald Hill, an animal control officer for Animal Services, told Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez, attorney for Sheree Napier, he had been at the Napiers animal shelter up to 10 times between 2010-14. Hill said he never seized dogs found on the property or issued a citation during his visits.
Sanchez asked Hill if he had seen any dogs suffering on the days he visited.
"From the dogs I saw, no," Hill said.
Franzen asked Hill if he was allowed to examine conditions anywhere on the property. Hill said he didn't have probable cause to do so and the Napiers didn't give him complete access to the shelter.
Franzen asked Hill if he ever expressed concern over the Napiers taking up to 10 days to respond to requests to visit the shelter. The prosecutor said the delays gave the couple time to clean up and move animals they did not want Hill to see.
"I'm not sure I used those exact words but I did (ask) why it would take so long for them to allow us on the property," Hill said.
Alan and Sheree Napier guilty on animal cruelty charges
February 4, 2015 3:27 pm
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- After about three hours of deliberation, the jury has returned a verdict in the Napier animal cruelty trial.
Alan Napier has been convicted on eight counts animal cruelty, unlawful solicitation of funds and scheme to defraud. Sheree Napier was found guilty on eight counts of animal cruelty and scheme to defraud, but was acquitted on the charge of unlawful solicitation of funds.
The prosecution requested that the Napiers be remanded into custody, but the judge would only grant that request for Alan. He ordered Sheree released until a March 27 sentencing hearing due to medical concerns.
ABC 7's Bobeth Yates is in the courtroom, and we'll have full details on the guilty verdicts coming up on our 5 p.m. broadcast.
Napiers found guilty of animal cruelty
February 4, 2015
MANATEE COUNTY - A year ago today, Alan and Sheree Napier were on a cruise. Authorities raided the couple’s animal shelter in East Manatee County, confiscating 300 animals that were found malnourished and living in filth.
Now, Alan Napier is in jail. He and his wife are awaiting their sentencing hearing after a jury on Wednesday found them guilty of fraud and animal abuse charges in connection to Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary. Most of the animals have found new homes.
“I’ve been patiently waiting for this day for a long time,” said Nancy Hotalen, a neighbor of the Napiers, who has been complaining about the situation there for more than a decade. “Unfortunately no one listened until now.”
For a week, a jury has heard testimony and evidence regarding the shelter operated by Alan and Sheree Napier. It took nearly three hours for the jurors — four men and two women — to return a verdict. Alan and Sheree Napier were each found guilty of scheme to defraud and eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Alan Napier also was convicted of unlawful solicitation of funds.
The jury found the pair not guilty of three animal cruelty charges. Sheree Napier was found not guilty of unlawful solicitation of funds.
“I’m happy with the verdicts,” Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen said outside the Manatee County Judicial Center. “We got justice for the animals.
“We tried to give a voice to the animals because they don’t have a voice.”
The Napiers will return to court at 1 p.m. March 27 for a sentencing hearing. Both should receive prison time, Franzen said.
While Circuit Judge Peter Dubensky remanded Alan Napier into custody, he allowed Sheree Napier to remain free on bond because of medical reasons.
Jurors viewed photos and videos of dogs and horses confiscated from the Napier property. They heard about ear, eye and skin infections. They heard about flea and parasite infestations. They heard about fur that was matted with urine and feces.
Franzen recounted those stories Wednesday morning in his closing arguments.
“He shouldn’t have been left stuffed in a crate, suffering, trying to breathe the air in that house,” Franzen said, talking about a dog that had to be put down on site during the raid. “There is no evidence that they did anything to relieve that condition. They left on a cruise while he was left in a crate suffering, getting no attention, no treatment.”
Sheree Napier’s attorney, Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez, argued that there was medicine at the Napiers’ home for the animals and that their adult daughter was caring for the animals while they were on vacation. She also said there was no way to gauge improvement of the animals since there were no records of how long the animals had been there and what kind of condition they were in upon arrival.
“No matter what kind of creature you are, not getting well does not mean you’re not trying,” Joynt-Sanchez said.
The state also argued that from 2010 to the time of the raid, the Napiers deposited nearly $10,000 donated to the sanctuary into an account for their for-profit newspaper. Roughly $60,000 were spent on items unrelated to the animals, Franzen said.
The Napiers also would buy pure-breed dogs from out-of-state breeders, then sell them under the guise of rescue dogs, Franzen argued.
Jason Reid, who represented Alan Napier, said the Napiers commingled their finances, but it wasn’t illegal.
“The Napiers had an organization, maybe not the best business model,” Reid said. “They were taking the worst of the worst. They literally lived in it. They took their personal funds and kept the sanctuary afloat.”
Reid and Joynt-Sanchez argued the state’s case lacked evidence and relied heavily on sympathy from the jurors.
Both urged the jury to keep emotions out of their decisions.
A group of animal advocates, who have long followed the case, were inside the courtroom Wednesday afternoon when the verdict was read.
“A small amount of justice has been given to all of the animals that suffered, but it will never be enough,” Julia Johnson said. “A lot of animals suffered and a lot of animals died, but it’s better than what they had before, which was no justice.”
Hotalen, the Napiers’ neighbor, recalls heated exchanges through the fence that separates their properties.
“Why are you doing this to the animals? They don’t deserve this,” Hotalen recalls asking them. “He (Alan Napier) deserves to be in one of those dog cages.”
A year later, Hotalen said the Napiers’ property is mostly the same, but a lot quieter.
“I heard those dogs barking constantly, unbelievable noises,” Hotalen said. “It still smells. It’s still dirty. There are still cages full of dried feces. The only thing missing is starving animals.”
Jury finds Napier’s guilty of multiple abuse, fraud charges
By JESSICA DE LEON
February 4, 2015
BRADENTON -- Alan and Sheree Napier, the owners of an East Manatee animal shelter where law enforcement says they found some 300 animals living in deplorable conditions, have been found guilty of animal abuse and fraud charges.
The jury's verdicts came after an eight-day trial in Bradenton.
Alan Napier was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse, one count of scheming to defraud and one count of unlawful solicitation. He was found not guilty of three other charges.
His wife was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of scheming to defraud. She was found not guilty of four other charges.
After listening to more than three hours of closing arguments Wednesday morning, the jury began deliberating in the case against the Napiers, owners and operators of Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E.
Law enforcement on Feb. 5, 2014, raided the shelter and about 300 animals living in deplorable conditions.
After the jury found Alan Napier and his wife, Sheree, guilty on several counts of aggravated animal cruelty, Alan was handcuffed and remanded into custody and his wife was allowed to remain on bail due to medical reasons.
Alan Napier, 52, and Sheree Napier, 46, each face one count of scheming to defraud, one count soliciting to defraud, 10 counts aggravated animal cruelty and one count animal cruelty. If convicted, the Napiers face a minimum of three years in prison up to 85 years maximum if sentenced consecutively. They are out of jail on bond.
A scheme to defraud is what was going on from January 2010 to February 2014, Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen said during his closing arguments Wednesday morning.
More than $9,000 was deposited into the Napier's for-profit business account during the course of two years before it was closed.
More than $60,000 was spent from operating account on unrelated expenses for the sanctuary.
Almost $330 was spent renting RedBox movies.
Since losing it's non-profit status in July 2013, more than $15,000 in donations and contributions were still collected.
"Who suffered the most, that was these animals," Franzen told the jury.
The defense claimed some of the purchases were to feed volunteers, but the state argued in closing argument that the only volunteers were the Napiers' family members, daughters and their significant others, Franzen said.
"So we know both Alan and Sheree Napier and only them were responsible for their care," Franzen said.
The defense argued that the state's case was based on emotions.
Sheriff's Office Major Connie Shingledecker, a witness in the case, "admitted that they knew the Napiers were out of town," said Alan Napier's defense attorney Jason Reid, on the day of the raid. "It was the perfect opportunity to catch them with their pants down."
Reid reminded the jury that the Napiers live on the sanctuary property.
"They took their personal funds and basically kept the sanctuary afloat," Reid said. "If you look at it logically, the Napiers are not guilty."
"The vast majority of those animals would have already been euthanized," Assistant Public Defender Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez began her closing arguments with the state quickly objecting that there was nothing in evidence supporting that fact. Dubensky agreed and sustained the objection.
"Sheree is a kind, loving person that opened her home to save animals," Joynt-Sanchez told the jury. "Sheree Napier is not perfect, but she did the best she could."
All of Sheree Napier's time, energy and money went to save "those creatures," the defense argued.
"She did not set up the sanctuary for personal or financial gains, she set up the sanctuary so she could save animals," Joynt-Sanchez said. "The money went to the animals, there just wasn't enough."
The prosecution disagreed. "Then why keep taking on more and more," Franzen said. "If you don't have the funds ... why keep taking on more animals."
All the money went to the animals, except for the nearly $10,000 used for cruises, he added.
"Both Napiers, Alan and Sheree, are officers of their 501cs corporation, both clearly involved at every level, were deceiving the public," Franzen said. "When people went on that property and saw the conditions of animals when they didn't have control over who got to see what, these animals that they owned and had custody and control over showed obvious evidence of repeated and excessive infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering."
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.
Florida shelter owners found guilty of massive animal abuse
02/05/2015
The owners of a Southwest Florida animal shelter where law enforcement rescued 300 ill-treated animals have been found guilty of multiple animal abuse and fraud charges after an eight-day trial in Bradenton.
Alan Napier was found guilty Wednesday of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse, one count of scheming to defraud and one count of unlawful solicitation. He was found not guilty of two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.
His wife, Sheree Napier, was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of scheming to defraud. She was found not guilty of one count of unlawful solicitation, two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse. The couple will be sentenced March 27.
Alan Napier will be held in custody until sentencing, but Sheree Napier will be allowed to remain free on bond for medical reasons. She told the judge that she is already on anti-anxiety medication.
The prosecution said the verdict followed a clear case.
“I think the testimony from the veterinarians, and the description of the animals themselves, and the conditions they were in kind of spoke for itself as far as the animals,” Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen said. “I tried to get across, kind of be a voice for the animals since they don’t have a voice.”
Franzen said he was happy with the verdict, and grateful to the jury for its hard work.
“I think we got justice for the animals and justice for all those that donated over the years,” Franzen said.
He said the state would seek prison sentences of a length to be determined followed by probation.
Franzen, along with Assistant State Attorney Brian Iten, were thanked and cheered by dozens of animal welfare community members who packed the courtroom.
Alan and Sheree Napier and one of their daughters arrive at the courtroom Wednesday. The jury announced its guilty verdict on multiple counts of aggravated animal abuse. TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE Bradenton Herald
Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro, who handled the case before requiring extended medical leave, was back in the courtroom for the verdict.
“Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the raid, and so we have some finality in this case, a sense of release and definitely a sense of justice,” Chittaro said Wednesday.
Outside the courthouse, Chittaro was praised for building the case. Chittaro, the prosecutor who handles all felony cases of animal cruelty and white-collar crime in Manatee County, said the verdict sent the right message to the community.
“It sends a message that if you hurt animals, if you commit fraud, that you will be prosecuted aggressively and you will be brought to justice through the legal system,” Chittaro said.
Sheree Napier was escorted out a side entrance from the courtroom following the ruling. Neither defense attorney made comments to the media.
Nancy Hot Allen with H&H Nursery of Bradenton said she felt wonderful after waiting roughly 10 years for justice.
“Unfortunately, I don't think [Alan Napier] deserves a clean bed in a jail cell. He deserves to be in one of those dog cages just like they did, starving and with dirty food,” Allen said.
Allen and Deborah Bird, president of Florida Dachshund Rescue, and Cheryl Eason, a volunteer with multiple animal rescues, provided evidence that helped trigger the investigation after trespassing onto the Napiers’ animal sanctuary.
“There was three of us that pushed the line of right and wrong by jumping the gate, but we felt that we needed to — nothing else was being done and I would do it again,” Allen said. “Animal services still needs to clean house.”
The jury deliberated less than three hours after closing arguments in the case against the owners and operators of Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E., which was raided Feb. 5, 2014, by a coalition led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
There was also a scheme to defraud, Franzen said during closing arguments.
More than $9,000 was deposited into the Napiers’ for-profit business account during the two years before it closed. More than $60,000 was spent from the operating account on unrelated expenses for the sanctuary, including $330 on RedBox movie rentals.
Since losing its nonprofit status in July 2013, more than $15,000 in donations and contributions were illegally collected by the Napiers.
“Who suffered the most, that was these animals,” Franzen told the jury.
The defense claimed that the state case was based on emotions. Reid reminded the jury that the Napiers live on the sanctuary property. “They took their personal funds and basically kept the sanctuary afloat,” Reid said. “If you look at it logically, the Napiers are not guilty.”
“The vast majority of those animals would have already been euthanized,” assistant public defender Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez said in closing arguments, with the state quickly objecting that no evidence supported her claim. Dubensky sustained the objection.
All Sheree Napier’s time, energy and money went to save “those creatures,” the defense claimed.
“She did not set up the sanctuary for personal or financial gains. She set up the sanctuary so she could save animals,” Joynt-Sanchez said. “The money went to the animals. There just wasn't enough.”
The prosecution disagreed.
“Both Napiers, Alan and Sheree, are officers of their 501c3 corporation, both clearly involved at every level, and were deceiving the public,” Franzen said. “When people went on that property and saw the conditions of animals, when they didn't have control over who got to see what, these animals that they owned and had custody and control over showed obvious evidence of repeated and excessive infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering.”
Shocking new twist in Napier animal abuse case
Feb 19, 2015
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- It was one of the largest animals abuse cases in Suncoast history. During a raid by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, hundreds of animals were found living in heartbreaking conditions at the Napier Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary.
But could it happen again?
Well east of I-75, down an unpaved stretch of Wingate Road, sits a piece of property teeming with animals.
According to the website of the Manatee County Property Appraiser, the land is owned by the same nonprofit behind the Napier Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary.
Despite their guilty verdict, neighbors say the Napier’s second site on Wingate Road is still filled with animals, including chickens, horses, dogs and cows. And neighbors say they are worried about the conditions the animals are living in.
"[It’s] messy, dirty -- not a good environment for the animals in there," says Debra Bird, the whistleblower who helped start the investigation into the State Road 64 sanctuary. Her description of the Wingate Road property prompted us to visit the property and see it for ourselves.
From the street, I could see dogs, cattle and horses. They all looked thin, but seemingly fine. To get more information on what a healthy animal would look like, we reached out to horse trainer Sophie Pembleton.
"A healthy horse should have a pretty good shine to their coat,” she said. “You should not be able to see the ribs, but you should be able to feel them if you push down on them and their hips."
The horses we saw did not match that description (at the very least, the animals’ ribs were clearly visible), and there were other concerns as well. One dog appeared to be pregnant or recently had given birth, which Bird says indicated the animals are being bred. Neighbors have also found what looks like a dog's skull. There was also another dog running loose, which prompted Bird to reach out to animal services.
"I need to call for an animal welfare check,” Bird said, before dialing up Animal Services and telling a representative, “There’s a Great Dane wandering around the street; it’s very emaciated [and] it needs to be taken care of." A few days later we went to animal services to follow up.
"The supervisor sent a crew out to that property, and they determined that it was an unfounded call," says Bill Hutchison of Manatee County Animal Services.
We wondered how people convicted of animal cruelty could still be the owners of an animal sanctuary, and we went to prominent attorney Andrean Mogensen for some answers. She says that, without any evidence of wrongdoing, the animals are legally allowed to be on the property.
"The limit of the criminal court is the defendants that are before them, and the defendants that are before them are the Napiers, not the sanctuary," Mogensen says.
The Wingate site is operated by one of the Napier's daughters, who is listed as an officer of the corporation. The animal abuse charges are only against Alan and Sheree Napier, and not the sanctuary or those affiliated with the organization, which means there is currently no legal grounds for removing the animals.
"If two parents have children and one of them is accused of child abuse, the other parent doesn't necessarily lose their rights with respect to that child,” Mogensen says. “Here the crimes are individual, so if the court orders the Napiers to not have possession of animals, other people in the organization that have not been court ordered to do so still have those rights."
In the meantime, Animal Services says they are implementing changes that they hope will prevent a case like the Napier's from happing again
But neighbors like Bird fear the worst for the Wingate Property.
"If left that way, it could get just as bad as the state road 64 property," Bird says.
Napiers sentenced for animal abuse
March 27, 2015
MANATEE COUNTY -- The Manatee County couple convicted of abusing hundreds of animals in their care learned their fate.
Friday, Alan and Sheree Napier were sentenced to jail.
In February, the couple was found guilty of multiple animal abuse and fraud charges, involving dogs, cats and horses.
The couple owned Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in east Bradenton.
Alan was sentenced to three years in prison. Sheree was sentenced to 270 days in the Manatee County Jail.
The judge also ruled that neither is allowed to own or possess an animal.
Napiers will both do time for animal cruelty
March 27, 2015
Both Alan and Sheree Napier will spend time behind bars for their roles in the suffering of animals at their east Manatee shelter.
Dubensky sentenced Alan Napier to 36 months in prison followed by four years on probation. Sheree Napier was sentenced to 270 days in county jail followed by three years of probation. Adjudication was withheld on the charges on which she was convicted. Both will complete 200 hours of community service and be prohibited from owning or possessing animals.
“What quality of life were you preserving when you allowed these animals to live in the conditions that they did?” asked Dubensky as he sentenced the husband and wife. “I don't know how you could've walked by them on a daily basis and seen what you saw and not have been alerted. To you it became a normal way of living.”
Alan and Sheree Napier were convicted in February of fraud and numerous animal cruelty counts. The couple was charged in 2014 after the Manatee County Sheriff's Office raided Napier Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in east Manatee County, confiscating roughly 300 animals.
Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen asked that Alan Napier receive 15 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation. For Sheree Napier, Franzen requested 10 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation.
“The level of filth and the conditions they were kept in weren't just dirty and smelly, they were causing scalding to the skin,” Franzen said. “These animals suffered. The community had to respond.”
Jennifer Joynt-Sanchez requested a downward departure for Sheree Napier, explaining that she should instead get treatment for a hoarding disorder. Jason Reid requested that Alan Napier be allowed to serve jail time and have his adjudication withheld. Alan Napier, who also addressed the court, ask that he and his wife be sentenced to house arrest and probation.
“Everything we did was with good intentions,” Alan Napier said. “We got in over our head.”
Owners of East Manatee animal shelter will do time for abuse, fraud
By JESSICA DE LEON
March 27, 2015
MANATEE -- Alan and Sheree Napier, the owners of an East Manatee animal shelter who were convicted of animal abuse and fraud, were sentenced Friday to jail.
Alan Napier was ordered to serve three years in state prison, to be followed by four years of probation.
Sheree Napier was ordered to serve 270 days in the Manatee County jail, to be followed by three years of probation.
In February, a jury found Alan Napier guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse, one count of scheming to defraud and one count of unlawful solicitation. He was found not guilty of two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.
His wife was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of scheming to defraud. She was found not guilty of one count of unlawful solicitation, two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.
Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E., was raided Feb. 5, 2014, by officers led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, who found about 300 animals living in deplorable conditions.
In the weeks leading to sentencing, presiding Circuit Judge Peter Dubensky acquitted the couple of one count of aggravated animal cruelty, finding insufficient evidence to convict.
On Friday, he said the couple deserved to go to jail or prison.
"The fact they thought they were preserving life or that their motives, to their way of thinking, were pure, are not excuses under the law, and I think the defense recognizes that," Dubensky said.
Without a doubt, he said, the animals under their care experienced pain and discomfort that constituted suffering as defined by the law.
"So my question to the Napiers would be, 'What quality of life were you preserving when you allowed these animals to live in the conditions that they did?'" Dubensky said. "I don't know how you could have walked by there on a daily basis and see what you saw and not have been alerted."
As conditions of their probation, Dubensky ordered Alan and Sheree Napier to complete 200 hours of community service -- but it can't involved animals. Dubensky also ruled they are not allowed to own or posses any animals and they are forbidden from serving as an officer or director with any 501c3 non-profit organization.
Alan Napier addressed the court before Dubensky handed down the sentences.
"We got way in over our heads," Alan Napier said as he sat facing Dubensky. "Unfortunately, it was the worst thing, that we didn't ever say no to anyone. We had the best intention at heart."
Dubensky said he was enlightened by the testimony of clinical psychologist Dr. James McGover. McGover testified Friday that Sheree Napier was a "classic hoarder," specifically a of animals.
"She loved animals because animals don't lie," McGovern said he heard Sheree Napier say.
Prosecutors were happy with the judge's ruling.
"This wasn't just a like it was a little messy, dirty and the dogs had fleas," said Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen outside the courthouse after the hearing. "It went well beyond that."
Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro was also in court, having initially handled the case until having to take medical leave.
"This final chapter is it gives justice to the animals that suffered at the hands of the defendants," Chittaro said.
It was also justice for all the people who were deceived by the Napiers, she added.
Nancy Hot Alen, of H & H Nursery, who was one of three community members who trespassed onto the Napiers' property to take photos of the conditions there, was among the many in the audience Friday afternoon.
"They are finally getting what they deserved," Alen said.
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.
Abused horses confiscated from Napier property
By JESSICA DE LEON
December 22, 2015
MYAKKA CITY -- Five horses have been confiscated from a property owned by Napier's Log Cabin and Horse Sanctuary -- whose owners were convicted this year of animal cruelty and fraud -- and the couple's daughter and son-in-law now face charges.
At 2 p.m. Tuesday, the five horses were seized from the property in the 4900 block of Wingate Road in Myakka City when deputies investigated complaints that the horses were emaciated. The sheriff's office has been to the property numerous times on complaints in the past. Last year, the sheriff's office confiscated 300 animals from the Napiers.
"This time the horses were in the worst shape seen by the deputies," Sgt. Rob Hendrickson wrote Tuesday in the news release. For their safety they were seized and taken to the Manatee County jail. The jail has a farm where all confiscated livestock are taken.
Criminal charged are pending against Heather and Rico Morin, according to the sheriff's office.
In February, a jury found Alan Napier guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse, one count of scheming to defraud and one count of unlawful solicitation. He was found not guilty of two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.
His wife was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of scheming to defraud. She was found not guilty of one count of unlawful solicitation, two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.
Alan Napier is serving a three-year prison sentence, which will be followed by four years of probation. Sheree Napier was ordered to serve 270 days in the Manatee County jail, but was released from jail in June on bond as she waits the outcome of an appeal.
Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E., was raided Feb. 5, 2014, led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Authorities found about 300 animals living in deplorable conditions.
The sanctuary owns three properties in total in East Manatee.
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, an advocate for animals, said they will see their day in court like everyone else.
"I don't think anybody in Manatee County will tolerate abuse to animals," Whitmore said. "You would think this family would have learned by now. Shame on them if they are abusing animals."
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.
Emaciated horses rescued in Manatee County
December 22, 2015
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Five emaciated horses were recovered from a residence in Myakka City on Tuesday and their owners face possible animal cruelty charges.
Manatee County Sheriff's Office COPS Rural deputies responded to a complaint about the malnourished horses at 4957 Wingate Road.
Authorities had been to the location multiple times but discovered Tuesday that the horses were in "the worst shape seen by the deputies," according to the report.
Criminal charges against the horse owners, Heather and Rico Morin, are pending.
The horses were seized and taken to the MCSO jail.
Animal sanctuary abuse case to be heard in appellate court
March 1, 2017
The couple, Alan and Sheree Napier, now 54 and 48, was convicted of animal cruelty and unlawful solicitation of funds in 2015.
During a raid at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in Bradenton on Feb. 5, 2014, more than 300 animals were seized, with the remains of 20 animals found on site.
The charges were related to nine dogs, five horses and one cat.
Alan Napier claimed some of the horses that were found in skin-and-bone condition had been adopted out and came back to them, but no record of adoption was ever found. Dogs had worms, dermatitis and a slew of health issues. Minka the cat was healthy when she came to the Napiers, according to court documents, but after the 50 days she was in their care, law enforcement found that she was covered in fleas and could hardly stand. After efforts to bring her to a healthy weight, veterinarians had to euthanize her.
Alan Napier was convicted of 15 counts of cruelty to animals, three counts of unlawful solicitation of funds and one count of scheme to defraud more than $50,000. He was sentenced to three years in prison and four years of probation. Sheree Napier, charged with 14 counts of cruelty to animals, one count of scheme to defraud between $20,000 and $50,000 and one count of unlawful solicitation of funds. She ultimately was sentenced to 270 days in county jail and three years of probation.
Fraud charges included misusing more than $60,000 in operating account funds, which included $330 on RedBox movie rentals, according to Herald archives.
The appeal was filed on April 8, 2015.
The result of the appeal could grant a new trial for Alan Napier or release him from prison.
VOICES FOR PUPPY DOE
The stench was overwhelming. The hardwood floors were spongy with urine. Kibble was scattered over dried up feces inside the rusty cages. Animals were everywhere. So were fleas.
That was the scene described by law enforcement officers and animal rescue workers who raided Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in east Manatee County.
Hundreds of animals are being seized from the 10-acre property on State Road 64 as part of a criminal investigation into animal cruelty and fraud. An anonymous tip sparked the investigation in December, leading to the execution of a search warrant on February 5th.
A Sheriff's deputy inspects dog kennels shortly after arriving at the Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary where over 300 dogs were found after a raid on the rescue organization. Tips led the Manatee County Sheriff's Office along with several other local and state agencies to execute a search warrant on the property in East Manatee on S.R. 64.
“I've been doing this job for 33 years, and I have never seen anything this horrible,” said Manatee County Sheriff's Capt. Lorenzo Waiters. “It's hard to put in words. “You try to imagine it in your head, but you go back and see it, and it's worse than you could ever imagine.”
Workers tended to what could be as many as 300 dogs, dozens of cats, nine horses, as well as pigs, geese, chickens and goats. EMS arrived to treat one worker who was bitten by a dog.
The animals ranged in age, breed and condition, officials said. Three veterinarians were on scene to treat animals. “None were dead,” sheriff's spokesman Dave Bristow said. “But some may have to be euthanized.”
Representatives with animal shelters across the region — including Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, Manatee County and Lakewood Ranch Humane Societies and Second Chance Boxer Rescue — were called to pick up some of the smaller animals. “It's a happy day for these animals,” said Chris Legge from the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch, which took 3 of the dogs.
The horses were taken to Whispering Ranches in Myakka City, where an employee specializes in equine nutrition. “They need more than what the jail has the ability to do,” Sgt. Rob Hendrickson said, referencing the sheriff's farm at the jail.
Crews were planning to work through the night and into the next day — evaluating, numbering, photographing and removing the animals.
The owners of the property, Alan and Sheree Napier, were not home when the search warrant was executed. Family members did arrive late that morning, frustrated with what was happening.
An attorney for the Napier's, Adron H. Walker, said the couple had informed Animal Services that they would be out of town this week and their children would be caring for the animals.
“The closure has happened despite every effort on the part of Alan and Sheree to cooperate with all possible governmental agencies that regulate the care of animals,” Walker stated.
No one has been arrested, but the investigation is ongoing. According to the sanctuary's website, the not-for-profit rescue has been in operation since 2004.
The Napier's own 2 other properties on Wingate and Ballard roads.
Bristow said the sheriff's office is aware of those locations, but said they were not part of this raid.
Personnel from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Animal Services, Building Department, Health Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee, Florida Department of Agriculture and State Attorney's Office were on scene.
“It's worse than what we anticipated,” Bristow said. “This is hoarding animals. Have you ever heard of that many animals in one place?”
“It's a happy day for these animals,” said Chris Legge from the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch.
Update 2/6/14:
Investigators executed search warrants at the animal rescue, which for years has operated under a closed-door policy. The closed doors raised questions of its selling animals sick or older than claimed. An investigation was launched Dec. 9 after an anonymous complaint.
"Truly in my 33-year career I have never, never seen anything as horrible," Capt. Lorenzo Waiters of Manatee County Sheriff's Office said. "It's horrible how you would treat animals with feces all over."
Waiters, District 3 patrol supervisor, arrived to assist and see for himself the horrors colleagues had been describing. "It's worse than you can imagine," Waiters said.
No arrests were made but an investigation is ongoing into animal abuse and fraud charges against owners Alan and Sheree Napier.
The State Attorney's Office Animal Division offered law enforcement guidance during the raid. Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro will decide if charges will be filed once the investigation is complete.
The couple who run the nonprofit were not on site when investigators arrived. The Napier's were reportedly on vacation but their attorney, Adron Walker, was called to the property by their children who said they were upset the property had been taken over by law enforcement.
"The closure has happened despite every effort on the part of Alan and Sheree to cooperate with all possible governmental agencies that regulate the care of animals," Walker said in statement. "This closure also occurred despite the fact that Alan and Sheree have maintained an open, continuous dialogue with Manatee County Animal Services for years and are typically inspected by Manatee County Animal Services on a quarterly basis."
The Department of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Commission and Florida's Division of Worker's Compensation worked with the Manatee County Animal Abuse Coalition in the raid. Several crime scene units and technicians helped process evidence from the property. Technicians and investigators all wore haz-mat suits entering the home.
"You are overwhelmed when you walk into the home with a smell of ammonia," Manatee County Sheriff's Office spokesman Dave Bristow said. "There is just feces everywhere.
Investigators counted more than 200 dogs among the estimated 300 animals removed by the end of the day. Cats, horses, goats, chickens, hogs and geese were also rescued, according to the sheriff's office.
Three veterinarians helped take inventory. Each animal was tagged, numbered, photographed and evaluated by a veterinarian, according to Waiters.
The couple's attorney said as much attention should be paid to the animals in good condition as those in poor health.
"If 10 or 20 animals are found to be in poor health or condition out of the 200 or more animals that Alan and Sheree at any 1 time cared for, that is both regrettable and should be corrected. But do those 10 or 20 justify ignoring the benefits received by the 180 or 190 animals, that 90 percent or 95 percent that are now in good health or condition, but might not otherwise be cared for or alive today?" Walker said. "Then, everyone should ask themselves: Is a 75 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent success rate that bad?"
Animal Services requested help from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue to remove the dogs. Local animal rescue groups, big and small, also offered help in removing and caring for the animals.
Joan Ellis, Second Chance Boxer Rescue Board member, was one of the 1st to arrive to watch the commotion. "I have been hoping for this for a long time, " Ellis said. Rumors have circulated about the animal rescue group for years, she said. "Anyone who doesn't have an open-door policy worries me," Ellis said. Returning to take 4 boxers from the premises, Ellis said she was appalled by her 1st glimpse into the facility. "There was kibble on top of hardened feces," Ellis said. "The smell is pretty horrocious...broken wires, broken boards...piles and piles of rubbish."
Investigators also contacted Whispering Ranches Feed in Myakka City, a feed and animal nutrition store, which brought bales of hay for the horses, said Randy Warren of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Later, the horse were transported to Whispering Ranches. Florida Dachshund Rescue also helped.
"I have to compliment the State Attorney's Office, and all the rescues, for standing behind this and the sheriff's office for doing this today," Florida Dachshund Rescue Board member Colleen Malone said. "We can rest tonight." Since 2004, Malone said there is documentation of complaints against the nonprofit. "They were taking money from the public," Malone said.
Law enforcement officials would not detail the nature of the investigation into fraud.
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said animals were transferred to Napier up until January when it was removed from the list of approved rescue agencies because of the investigation. "The county transfers animals to the rescues that apply and are approved by Animal Services," Whitmore said. "I'm glad that this happened. I'm glad that he doesn't have any animals anymore, especially when I hear that there has been apparent abuse. No one deserves abuse no matter whether it's a human or an animal."
Residents and business owners dropped off donations of food and drinks during the day to law enforcement in appreciation of their efforts. Many who drove past honked, gave thumbs-up signs or cheered the investigation.
Manatee County officials posted a sign deeming the building or property unsafe and use or occupancy prohibited until repairs and inspections are complete.
The Florida Department of Health was called to investigate the conditions at the home.
"The amazing thing is these people were living here," Bristow said.
Update 2/7/14:
The attorney for the owners of Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary released a statement regarding the investigation. The couple's lawyer is urging people not to jump to conclusions.
The statement read in part "a sloppy hoarder does not equate, however, to an animal abuser. Therefore, in the meantime I must implore everyone to keep an open mind." The attorney also talked about the recent graves uncovered on the property.
Investigators found 20 dogs and cats buried at the site but the Napier’s attorney says the public should consider that the animals may have arrived in poor condition or may have simply died due to age -- that it wouldn't be uncommon to bury an animal in someone's backyard.
The full statement is below:
"As the attorney for Alan and Sheree Napier, I must implore the press and the public not to rush to judgment regarding Alan and Sheree. There are many statements being made and some pictures, particularly with regard to the buried animals, being published that, when first heard or seen, can be quite upsetting.
Alan and Sheree have been gone this week, and we are finding them a trial attorney. At that point, their side of the story will be told, and there are always two sides to every story. Further, we already know, and I will admit, that Alan and Sheree and their story will not be perfect – everyone now knows that they were sloppy and hoarded. A sloppy hoarder does not equate, however, to an animal abuser. Therefore, In the meantime, I must implore everyone to keep an open mind. Remember that statements and photographs only document the situation at one moment in time. Please consider the source of a statement – all of us have our biases – some more than others. Also, consider the same fact or photograph can be seen from different perspectives.
Let me provide just 3 among many examples of the effect of different perspectives or lack of content:
1. The first is the fact that some of the press is reporting that the remains of dogs and cats have been found at the Napier sanctuary. The hearing of this fact or the seeing of such pictures is naturally upsetting and disturbing for all of us pet owners. If we think a minute, however, we would remember that (a) unfortunately, dogs and cats have relatively short lifespans, (b) Alan and Sheree took in very sick or unadoptable animals from Manatee County Animal Services and private individuals, whereas most animal rescue organizations do not, (c) Alan and Sheree committed to keeping animals they could not adopt out for their lifetimes, and (d) Alan and Sheree had, at any one time, 200-300 animals. Should it not then be expected, and, in fact, wasn’t it inevitable, that some of these animals would die at the sanctuary? Don’t all of us pet owners have pets buried or their ashes spread in our backyards, or cremated by our veterinarians and disposed of elsewhere? None of us have abused our animals simply by virtue of having buried them.
2. The Manatee Sheriff’s Office has now admitted that it or Manatee County Animal Services has euthanized 12 of Alan’s and Sheree’s rescued animals. Was it because these animals were too ill to be cured, or was it that the cure for these animals was too costly or they were considered too unadoptable to be worth the cure in the County’s mind? Alan and Sheree, however, once told me they paid for medical care without considering whether the treatment was “cost effective” or the animal was adoptable. (Yes, in fact, they do have veterinarians.) While I will not presume to know the answers, two fair questions to ask are: “But for this raid, would those 12 pets be alive today? As to those 12 pets, would they be better off alive today rather than euthanized yesterday?”
3. One report stated that 4 horses with visible ribs were found in a pasture with “only … a scattered pile of dirty hay contaminated with feces to eat.” Having 2 horses myself, I know how quickly horses can spoil their hay and how quickly they can eat their hay. Again, when, in fact, were the horses last fed? How long had they been at Napier’s? What was their condition when they arrived? The horses were in a pasture – did it have grass?
Again, please keep an open mind and do not rush to judgment. The other side to this story has yet to be told."
Additional update:
As a result of its ongoing investigation into a Manatee County animal sanctuary, deputies discovered multiple animal graves.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, deputies discovered a total of 20 dead dogs and cats buried in a shallow grave at the back of the Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary property.
The search was part of the animal cruelty investigation at the sanctuary.
More than 300 dogs, cats, horses, pigs and other animals were confiscated from the property due to poor health conditions. Veterinarians were on scene and 12 dogs had to be euthanized.
The investigation involves possible animal cruelty and fraud. No arrests have been made.
Update 2/8/14:
Investigators continued into a second day, at the Napier's Rescue the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported.
When investigators returned to the nonprofit at 20010 State Road 64 E. they discovered animal remains buried in a shallow mass grave at the back of the property. “There was a couple areas of disturbed soil so we figured we would start there,” Sgt. Rob Hendrickson of the sheriff’s office said. The remains appeared to have been buried at different times, he said.
About 12 rescued animals had to be euthanized, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Investigators searched the home again. “We are trying to make sure we didn’t miss anything,” Hendrickson said. “Concern was mostly about the animals, we are looking at details.”
No arrests have been made. Allan and Sheree Napier could face charges of animal cruelty and fraud once the investigation is complete, according to investigators.
The Napier's also have properties at 4957 Wingate Road and 39760 Ballard Road in Myakka City, according to the Manatee Property Appraiser’s website. Investigators visited the Wingate Road site to determine if there was any animal abuse there. An investigator spoke with family members living on the property, looked at the animals and took pictures.
Four horses kept in a separate pasture next to the home were so thin their rib cages were visible. They only had a scattered pile of dirty hay contaminated with feces to eat.
The last live animal was removed just before 7 pm on February 5th. Patrol deputies stayed at the property all night to secure the crime scene, according to Hendrickson.
Of the animals seized, 63 dogs and 13 cats were taken to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue where they were doing well. “Last night all animals were seen,” board member Cam McCarthy stated, “They were vaccinated, groomed and bathed, if necessary, and they were all examined by a veterinarian.”
Five animals required medical attention and were separated from the others, McCarthy said. “Of course, all of them had fleas and ticks. Then we tucked them into kennels making sure they have plenty food and water. We now have our volunteers sitting & socializing with them.”
Some of the animals are being prepared for heartworm treatment. Many need to be spayed or neutered and may require dental work, but those procedures cannot be done until the rescues receive clearance from detectives.
Nate’s Honor exceeded capacity with the large number of rescued animals but they are managing, she said. “Their care is not being sacrificed,” McCarthy said. “We have asked all our volunteers to come in and help.”
A new Animal Coalition Abuse Team was partly responsible for the bust, County Commissioner Carol Whitmore stated.
The task force, formed about 18 months ago, includes a variety of agencies to generate collective clout. Member agencies include the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; municipalities such as Bradenton, Palmetto and Holmes Beach; animal rescue groups and the State Attorney’s Office, Whitmore said.
“Everybody went in as a team” a citizen complained about the animal abuse that led to the bust, said Whitmore. “Manatee County is not going to tolerate a human being or an animal abused,” said Whitmore. “We’ll put you in jail.”
Concerns about the sanctuary went back a decade. Roaring pickup truck motors and barking are the only noise on an otherwise quiet stretch of State Road 64.
Farmers use the road — 1 of the few east-to-west corridors in Manatee County — to travel to and from town. An occasional trailer carrying citrus passes by the source of the barking — a 10-acre property surrounded by a fence and overgrown weeds.
Behind the heavy metal gate that spans two wooden columns peeling white paint sits Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary. The home, like much of the property, is hidden by trees. But they don't block the noise, or the smell.
Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary was founded in 2004 by Alan and Sheree Napier. Since then, more than 1,600 pets have been adopted from the rescue, according to its website.
“They're living in filth,” Colleen Malone, who serves on the board of directors for Florida Daschund Rescue, said at the scene Wednesday. “Since 2004 we've filed complaints. I don't know why it took so long, but it doesn't matter now. We're just glad this is happening.”
Despite concerns of other rescue organizations, the nonprofit was on Manatee County Animal Services' transfer list, receiving 286 dogs and cats since 2010.
According to a written statement issued by the family's attorney, Adron Walker, the family asked in November to be temporarily removed from the transfer list “so that they could focus on expanding and improving their facilities, caring for the animals they already had, and posting their pictures online.”
Walker stated that the raid was done on a date on which the Napier's had previously informed Animal Services they would be out of town celebrating their wedding anniversary. Their children would care for the animals, they reported.
“Unfortunately, despite Alan's and Sheree's continuous efforts to improve, communicate and cooperate with Manatee County Animal Services, no one from Manatee County would sit down with Alan and Sheree and indicate what the problem was that apparently caused the closure of their Sanctuary,” Walker wrote, adding that the property was typically inspected quarterly by the county.
County officials have not commented on details of their partnership with the organization.
Update 2/9/14:
Despite claims by county officials that they previously never found major violations at an East Manatee animal shelter raided this week, county records show animal service officers had found problems at the facility since at least 2011 -- and at the same time the county continued transferring dogs and cats there.
According to Manatee County spokesman Nick Azzara, animal service officers only found "minor violations" during their multiple inspections of Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary. No citations were ever issued, and officers would work with property owners to address potential violations, he said. "At no time did the inspections officers notice any evidence of animal abuse or neglect," Azzara said.
The sheriff's office returned to finish looking for evidence at the property and uncovered a shallow grave with the remains of 20 dead dogs and cats.
"Dogs and cats have relatively short life spans, and Alan and Sheree took in very sick or unadoptable animals from Manatee County Animal Services and private individuals, whereas most animal rescue organizations do not," said Adron Walker, attorney for the Napier's.
"Should it not then be expected, and, in fact, wasn't it inevitable, that some of these animals would die at the sanctuary? Don't all of us pet owners have pets buried or their ashes spread in our backyards, or cremated by our veterinarians and disposed of elsewhere?"
Walker states that there are 2 sides to every story but admits his clients were not the best animal care-takers. "We already know, and I will admit, that Alan and Sheree and their story will not be perfect; everyone now knows now that they were sloppy and hoarded," Walker said. "A sloppy hoarder does not equate, however, to an animal abuser."
Records of transfer of dogs and cats from animal services to animal rescues from January 1, 2007 to February 7, 2014, reveal a total of 135 cats and 151 dogs were transferred to Napier , the sixth highest number of transfers.
On September 8, 2011, an animal services officer was sent out to Napier's sanctuary to inspect the facility and health of the animals after receiving a second call. The first call came on August 31, 2011. The officer met with Alan and Sheree Napier and found a total of 92 dogs, 33 cats, 12 horses and 6 hogs, according to animal services documents.
"The property was partially flooded and they had to move some of the dogs together, making some of the cages overcrowded and not proper shelter for the amount of dogs in the cages," the officer wrote. "The dogs were muddy but seemed to be in good health and happy. They received 30 dogs on August 18th and have had them all shaven and cleaned up."
The following day, animal services transferred 13 cats to Napier and the following week they transferred 4 dogs to them.
On September 21, 2012, 2 animal service officers were sent out to Napier to inspect the condition of the animals. The officers met with the Napier's and saw 91 dogs, 60 cats, 15 horses, 5 pigs and 1 goat on the property.
"All of the animals were in good condition with the exception of 2 dogs that had green mucus in the eyes and 1 horse that was very thin and about 20 years old," one officer reported. "There were also 6 sick cats in a quarantined area being treated for upper respiratory illness."
The other officer reported "that some of the horses are thin but these animals are old and were given to them in this condition."
Four days later, animal services transferred 13 dogs to the animal rescue.
On June 10, 2013, an animal service officer was sent out to Napier's in response to a letter that was sent to county commissioners to inspect the property for violations. The officer met with the couple and counted 112 dogs, 56 cats, 12 horses, 4 hogs and 4 goats at the facility.
"In the past week they have had rain almost everyday and some of the cages were flooded so they had to move some of the dogs and double up the cages to keep the dogs out of the flooded cages," the officer wrote. "The dogs are dirty due to the rain but they have all food or water and shelter provided and are being taken care of."
A couple weeks later, 3 more dogs were transferred to the facility.
Update 2/10/14:
Eight horses were seized as an investigation continues into an east Manatee County animal rescue where sheriff's deputies confiscated hundreds of animals last week.
No arrests have been made yet, as the case is still under investigation.
Update 2/12/14:
As local animal rescue services continue to deal with the overwhelming care needs created by the hundreds of animals seized by law enforcement at an East Manatee shelter, 1 more dog had to be euthanized as a result of a preventable illness after a veterinarian exhausted all treatments. 10 animals remain hospitalized.
"We had to put down a dog because it had very severe heartworm disease and anemia," said Jodi Sorrentino, a Ranch Animal Hospital veterinarian. "It's very sad because it is something that was totally preventable." The cream-colored terrier, affectionately known as "No. 99," did not respond to treatments, including a last-resort blood transfusion. In addition to heartworm, the dog suffered from a severe case of fleas. "It is unusual to see a dog so far gone," Sorrentino said. "No. 99, the dog we put down, that was very heart-breaking."
Among the animals treated at Ranch Animal Hospital, several cats had roundworm and hookworm, which they shouldn't be dealing with, she said. Another dog taken to Ranch Animal Hospital suffers from mange with no hair and sores all over its body. It's very painful, she said.
"Neglect resulted in all of their conditions," Sorrentino said. "This was intentional willful, neglect." All the animals brought to Nate's Honor Animal Rescue were underweight, covered in fleas, dirty with matted fur. "The flea infections were beyond anything I have ever seen," Karen Slomba, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue associate director.
Animals first brought in from Napier's were seen by 2 veterinarians who donated hours of time, Slomba said. Several local veterinarians have come out to help since then. "Eighty percent of these animals have dental disease and are going to need dental work and multiple extractions," Slomba said.
Ranch Animal Hospital personnel are hopeful. "I think we will be able to save all the others that are here," Sorrentino said. "The cats are responding well to basic antibiotics and deworming."
Many animals show signs of trauma, Sorrentino said. "A lot of them are very fearful but none of them have been aggressive. They have been very timid," Sorrentino said. "They don't seem like they have been handled frequently or ever loved."
With all local shelters stretched thin by the treatment crisis, Bradenton's Bishop Animal Shelter announced it will provide up to $25,000 worth of food for animals removed from the Napier properties. "The board members saw how bad it was and said: 'We've got to help these animals,'" said shelter Director Keith Pratt.
The shelter, operated by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Manatee County Inc., also will serve as a dropoff site for food donations.
Bishop shelter workers will not accept any monetary donations, however, Pratt said. Those must be forwarded to the rescue agency for which the money is intended, he said.
Update 2/11/14:
Less than a week after the Manatee County Sheriff's Office seized almost 300 animals from Napier Family Farm and Animal Rescue, deputies confiscated 8 more horses on another Napier-owned property in Myakka City.
The horses were removed from properties on Ballard Road and on Wingate Road and taken to Whispering Ranches Feed.
"All of them showed signs of distress and neglect of varying degrees," said Dave Bristow, sheriff's spokesman. "There wasn't any hay we could find...It had been grazed on quite a bit. We're thinking that hopefully they're going to be OK."
Bristow said the sheriff's office is getting calls from the public on the Napier's' other properties and continues to investigate. "We wanted to wrap everything up on 1 property, which we did, and today we took a look at another property," Bristow said.
Barbara Grimes, who lives off County Road 675 in Bradenton, said she travels past 1 of the properties twice each day and the horses look dangerously thin. "There's trash everywhere," she said. "Code enforcement itself should have been alerted about the trash outside."
Mary Lupi, president of Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida, said her organization took in 8 dogs after the raid last week. She is fostering a 2-year-old chocolate Lab she named Penny who was close to death. "It had thousands of fleas, no fur on its tail, sores all over its body. It was laying in one of the back pens with its head in its paws," she said. Lupi rushed her to Braden River Animal Hospital for treatment. "I told her, 'This is your birthday. This is your new start at life. You're going to have a wonderful life after this.'"
Efforts to care for other seized animals continue. The Beach Market at Coquina Beach is collecting towels, blankets, food and other items, as well as cash donations.
Update 2/13/14:
Vowing they "can and will do better in the future," county officials said they plan to conduct an internal audit to evaluate how complaints about animal cruelty at the Napier Family Farm and Animal Rescue have been handled.
The probe will review how Manatee County Animal Services employees dealt with those who operated the East Manatee farm, dating to 2009 or before, said Deputy County Administrator Karen Windon.
"We will be cooperating in every way possible," she told county commissioners during their meeting.
It is not clear which law enforcement agency will handle the investigation.
Peter Lombardo, an attorney for owners Alan and Sheree Napier, said they were allowed back on their property after authorities had concluded use of it as a possible crime scene.
The Napier's said agencies left 2 dogs in a kennel without food or water after the raid. Lombardo said the couple took the dogs with them, and the animals will live.
Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, said he did not know anything about the dogs or the circumstances to which Lombardo was referring.
A half-dozen members of the public issued scorching critiques at the commission meeting of county animal services personnel, saying they had not done enough to halt animal abuse at the privately owned rescue shelter.
After hundreds of animals were confiscated February 5, 8 more horses were rescued on February 10th from another Napier-owned property in Myakka City. One dog taken from the farm had to be euthanized on February 11th, according to Bristow. "The good thing is, we think the majority of the animals will be saved," he said.
The horses were removed from properties on Ballard Road and on Wingate Road and taken to Whispering Ranches Feed. "All of them showed signs of distress and neglect of varying degrees," said Dave Bristow, sheriff's spokesman. "There wasn't any hay we could find. ... It had been grazed on quite a bit. We're thinking that hopefully they're going to be OK."
Bristow said the sheriff's office is getting calls from the public on the Napier's' other properties and continues to investigate. "We wanted to wrap everything up on one property, which we did, and today we took a look at another property," Bristow said.
Barbara Grimes, who lives off County Road 675 in Bradenton, said she travels past one of the properties twice each day and the horses look dangerously thin. "There's trash everywhere," she said. "Code enforcement itself should have been alerted about the trash outside."
Manatee County officials said on February 7th animal services officers had found "minor violations" on prior visits to the Napier shelter, but never found "any evidence of animal abuse or neglect."
County records show between January 1, 2007, and February 7, 2014 the county transferred 135 cats and 151 dogs to the Napier shelter -- the 6th-highest total among shelters the county uses.
Mary Lupi, president of Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida, said her organization took in 8 dogs after the raid. She is fostering a 2-year-old chocolate Lab she named Penny who was close to death. "It had thousands of fleas, no fur on its tail, sores all over its body. It was laying in one of the back pens with its head in its paws," she said. Lupi rushed her to Braden River Animal Hospital for treatment. "I told her, 'This is your birthday. This is your new start at life. You're going to have a wonderful life after this.'"
Efforts to care for other seized animals continue.
At the commission meeting, Betty Kish said she wanted to know whether any county inspections had taken place at the farm. "If they allowed no inspection, there should have been no animals transferred there, and they should have been shut down," said Kish. "If there was an inspection, anyone who did it should be fired. That place didn't get that way overnight."
Nathan Levinson said he faulted Kris Weiskopf, chief of the animal services division. "Your constituents demand answers and actions on all these things," he said.
Lombardo said his clients thought county personnel had done a good job. "Unfortunately, the Napier's got a lot of sick animals," he said. "It's like blaming doctors" when they they are doing their best to treat ill patients, Lombardo said. The Napier's saved a lot of dogs, cats and horses that otherwise would have been put down, Lombardo said.
No arrests have been made, but officials have said the Napier's could face multiple animal cruelty and fraud charges.
The couple will contest confiscation of their animals, and are innocent of wrongdoing, Lombardo said. "It's our position they did nothing wrong," he said.
The horses were removed from properties on Ballard Road and on Wingate Road and taken to Whispering Ranches Feed.
"All of them showed signs of distress and neglect of varying degrees," said Dave Bristow, sheriff's spokesman. "There wasn't any hay we could find. ... It had been grazed on quite a bit. We're thinking that hopefully they're going to be OK."
Bristow said the sheriff's office is getting calls from the public on the Napier's' other properties and continues to investigate.
"We wanted to wrap everything up on one property, which we did, and today we took a look at another property," Bristow said.
No arrests have been made, but owners Alan and Sheree Napier could face multiple animal cruelty and fraud charges.
Barbara Grimes, who lives off County Road 675 in Bradenton, said she travels past 1 of the properties twice each day and the horses look dangerously thin. "There's trash everywhere," she said. "Code enforcement itself should have been alerted about the trash outside."
A multi-agency law enforcement effort led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office with assistance from Manatee County Animal Services executed a search warrant Wednesday at Napier Family Farm and Animal Rescue, 20010 State Road 64 E., and seized about 300 animals.
Deputies returned to finish looking for evidence and uncovered a shallow grave at the property with the remains of 20 dead dogs and cats.
Manatee County officials said animal services officers had found "minor violations" on prior visits to the Napier shelter, but never found "any evidence of animal abuse or neglect."
Update 2/18/14:
A foreclosure sale on property owned by Sheree and Alan Napier was canceled after Sheree Napier filed for bankruptcy, court papers said.
She sought Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection, court records showed. The court file listed a number of other Napier bankruptcy filings, all dismissed, dating to 2001. The mortgage foreclosure case, filed in 2011, listed a judgment amount of $660,205 in court papers.
The listed plaintiff in the case is Bayview Loan Servicing LLC. Listed defendants are Alan S. and Sheree L. Napier, Napier's Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary Inc., Bellissimo Properties LLC II and Equitylink Inc.
In other court matters, Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube filed a petition seeking custody of hundreds of animals seized at the Napier's farm February 5th and on later occasions. A hearing on the petition was set for 1:30 p.m. March 12 at the Manatee County Judicial Center.
The petition states the Napier's "are not able to provide adequately for the animals and/or are not fit to have custody." It asked their rights to be "forever terminated," and all animals be turned over to the sheriff or other rescue organizations. It also sought an order holding the Napier's responsible for costs incurred in caring for the animals while in the sheriff's custody.
The Napier's' attorney, Peter Lombardo, said he had not yet seen the sheriff's court filing, but added: "It's kind of what I was expecting." "We're obviously objecting to it," Lombardo said. "It wasn't the Napier's idea for the sheriff to take those animals from the Napier's." "Every animal had access to a vet," he said. "We would say that the Napier's are absolutely able to care for those animals." Without knowing the condition in which the animals arrived at the Napier's farm: "It's really impossible to be critical," Lombardo said. The couple are innocent of wrongdoing, Lombardo has previously said.
Property and evidence records accompanying the sheriff's petition listed the type of case as "cruelty to animals." One page listed 20 decomposed corpses of dogs and cats and 12 "unknown bone fragments." Other pages listed live horses, dogs, cats, goats, pigs, ducks and chickens.
At Honor Animal Rescue, more than half of the 81 animals taken in from Napier have been placed in foster homes, according to Karen Slomba, associate director. "They are doing well," Slomba said. "They are slowly but surely recovering."
Several dogs have been discovered to be pregnant, and they suspect some cats are as well. None of the animals have been neutered or spayed however. "We are not allowed until custody is granted so we just have to keep them separate," Slomba said.
Some animals need continued medical attention as they are suffering from heartworm disease, eye infections and other ailments. Two dogs required emergency surgery.
Much-needed volunteers and donations have continued to come in, she said. "The community continues to be supportive every day," Slomba said.
Update 2/19/14:
The sanctuary that closed after a recent raid by authorities has been deemed a “sanitary nuisance” by the Manatee County Health Department.“The Napier's were creating a sanitary nuisance on the property by allowing the accumulation of animal feces, rotting vegetables, and maintaining conditions which represent rodent harborage and fly-breeding,” wrote Tom Larkin, the health department’s environmental health manager, according to county documents.
A horse grazes in a pasture off Wingate Road, 1 of 2 additional properties owned by the Napier's.
The Napier's have 30 days to correct conditions, upon receipt of a letter notifying them of the deficiencies.
The couple plans to oppose a petition filed in court Friday, February 14th by Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube, seeking custody of animals taken from their property on February 5 and on later occasions. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case, which is still being investigated, officials said.
A hearing on the petition was set for 1:30 p.m. March 12 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, according to court papers. The petition states the Napier's"are not able to provide adequately for the animals and/or are not fit to have custody."It asked their rights to be "forever terminated," and all animals be turned over to the sheriff or other rescue organizations. It also sought an order holding the Napier's responsible for costs incurred in caring for the animals while in the sheriff's custody.
The Napier's attorney, Peter Lombardo, said he had not yet seen the sheriff's court filing, but added: "It's kind of what I was expecting.""We're obviously objecting to it," Lombardo said.
"It wasn't the Napier's idea for the sheriff to take those animals from the Napier's" "Every animal had access to a vet," he said. "We would say that the Napier's are absolutely able to care for those animals."Without knowing the condition in which the animals arrived at the Napier's farm: "It's really impossible to be critical," Lombardo said.
Property and evidence records accompanying the sheriff's petition listed the type of case as "cruelty to animals. "One page listed 20 decomposed corpses of dogs and cats and 12 "unknown bone fragments." Other pages listed live horses, dogs, cats, goats, pigs, ducks and chickens.
At Honor Animal Rescue, more than half of the 81 animals taken in from Napier have been placed in foster homes, according to Karen Slomba, associate director."They are doing well," Slomba said. "They are slowly but surely recovering. "Several dogs have been discovered to be pregnant, and they suspect some cats are as well. None of the animals have been neutered or spayed. "We are not allowed until custody is granted so we just have to keep them separate," Slomba said. Some animals need continued medical attention as they are suffering from heartworm disease, eye infections and other ailments. Two dogs required emergency surgery. Much-needed volunteers and donations have continued to come in, she said."The community continues to be supportive every day," Slomba said.
A foreclosure sale on the Napier's property was canceled Tuesday, February 18th after Sheree Napier filed for bankruptcy. Napier sought Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection on Friday, February 14th, court records showed.
The court file listed a number of other Napier bankruptcy filings, all dismissed, dating to 2001. The mortgage foreclosure case, filed in 2011, listed a judgment amount of $660,205 in court papers.The listed plaintiff in the case is Bayview Loan Servicing LLC. Listed defendants are Alan S. and Sheree L. Napier, Napier's Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary Inc., Bellissimo Properties LLC II and Equitylink Inc.
Update 2/21/14:
After their registration as a charitable organization was denied last year, Sheree and Alan Napier reportedly continued to operate their East Manatee animal shelter without it.
The state took no action against them, a state spokesman said.
The couple, continued to list a state registration number on their website, even though it expired more than 8 months ago, according to state officials. Such certificate allows the holder to purchase tax-exempt items.
It was unclear why the state took no action until last week. In a letter dated February 12th, state regulatory consultant Aleta King wrote the Napier's' effort to reapply for a certificate had been denied. The state gave the Napier's 7 working days to appeal, according to Aaron Keller, department communications coordinator. "We denied their application as a Charitable Organization when they reapplied in 2013. We have not issued any fines or taken any action against them," Keller emailed.
The letter to the Napier's stated: "Please be aware that operating as a Charitable Organization without being properly registered/licensed is a violation of ...Florida Statutes." "Engaging in unregistered/unlicensed activities may subject you to potential penalties, including, but not limited to fines up to $1,000 per violation and possible criminal prosecution," the letter said.
Financial statements showed the Napier's used money meant to care for hundreds of animals on other things, the letter said. "According to the financial statement submitted for calendar year 2012, of the $105,868 in revenue from direct public support, over $56,000 was utilized for expenses related to 'supplies;' 'printing' related to advertising and promotion; 'occupancy;' and 'insurance,'" said the letter.
King's letter cited the following violations:
• Seeking contributions without being properly registered after May 13, 2013.
• Solicitation for a contribution by means of deception or false pretenses.
• Failure to apply contributions consistent with a solicitation.
• Submitting false, misleading or inaccurate information in documents filed with the department or provided to the public.
Bradenton's Bishop Animal Shelter, for example, uses its charitable registration certificate to buy items such as food for the animals minus the tax, said Keith Pratt, shelter managing director. "They're taking advantage of the taxpayers, and getting everything tax-free," Pratt said of the Napier's.
The Bishop shelter certificate lists an effective date, expiration date, and defines its exemption category as "501(c)3 organization," according to a copy of the certificate.
It's the responsibility of the shelter operator to ensure they're running legally and the responsibility of store employees to make sure such certificates are updated, Pratt said.
Update 2/25/14:
An attorney for the Napier's said they plan to reopen.
Alan and Sheree Napier were on a cruise celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary on February 5th when authorities raided their East Manatee animal shelter, said attorney Peter Lombardo.
The couple, who kept hundreds of animals at the shelter, came home from the cruise to find all animals confiscated and their shelter closed. However, the Napier's do plan to reopen the shelter at 20010 E. State Road 64, Lombardo said. "They think it's unfair," Lombardo said of the raid and accompanying investigation into allegations of fraud and animal abuse.
During a hearing Michele Hall, general counsel for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, asked for more time in court during an upcoming hearing slated for March 12th, "given the breadth of this matter." Lombardo did not object. The judge indicated he would try to arrange more time.
Hall also sought permission to spay and neuter animals, if necessary, at the expense of the sheriff's office. Lombardo later got an OK from his clients to permit the procedures.
The sheriff's office has petitioned for custody of the animals, but Lombardo said his clients would oppose the request in court.
County animal services' staff members inspected the Napier's shelter December 17th, examining more than 100 dogs, Lombardo said.
Sheree Napier has filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, halting a foreclosure sale of property previously set for February 18th. The court set a March 24th meeting for creditors to make claims as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
The health department also has also deemed the shelter a sanitary nuisance and given the Napier's 30 days to correct deficiencies.
The couple is also facing a deadline to appeal a denial by state officials of an application for a certificate registering them as a charitable organization.
The Napier's continued to list a state registration number from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services on their website, even though it had expired more than 8 months before. The shelter is still considered a 501(c)3 charitable organization, but can no longer solicit donations on its website, said Lombardo.
The Napier's sent state officials $325 in an effort to re-establish their charitable registration and pay a late fee, but they were denied a certificate. The state so far has not returned their money, said Lombardo.
An investigation into how complaints about the shelter were handled by county animal services employees is taking place under the auspices of Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller R.B. "Chips" Shore.
Update 3/2/14:
Horses rescued from Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary graze in a field at Whispering Ranches Feed in Myakka City. The ranch hosted a Rescue Horse Meet-and-Greet to help raise money for the care and feeding of the horses.
They have been referred to as "The Forgotten 17," but on Saturday they were anything but forgotten.
Seven-year-old Sierra Yeomaris hopes they are never forgotten again. "It's bad that they were forgotten," Sierra said. "But I think it's good they got saved."
The 17 horses were seized by law enforcement last month as part of an investigation into charges of animal cruelty and fraud at Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary in East Manatee.
Since the seizure, the horses have been kept on property belonging to Whispering Ranches Feed at 4922 Verna Bethany Road in Myakka City. Already in a little less than a month there, they have gained at least 75 pounds each after arriving at least 300 pounds under weight.
Sierra picked out her favorite horse, the black and white one, she said. It reminded her of her stuffed pony. With five horses at home, Sierra understood the importance of feeding and caring for them. "She has to go home and do her barn chores too," mother Roxanne Harmer said.
A few hundred people came out to support "The Forgotten 17" at the fundraiser held at Whispering Ranches Saturday.
There was food, games, silent auctions and most importantly the horses themselves.
Containers were set up along the fence: 17 with individual pictures of the horses and one with a group photo. Those who attended were able to donate to support the horse of their choice.
Raffle tickets were also sold for an opportunity to name one of the horses.
All proceeds from the event will go to feed and care for the horses.
The event was put on in partnership with Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary, a nonprofit lifetime sanctuary for unwanted, abused and neglected horses and burros.
Founder Robin Cain was unable to take them in but still wanted to help."My role in it is to take the donations and pay for the expenses." Cain was thrilled with the turnout. "It's been phenomenal," Cain said. "People have stepped in to help in anyway they could."
Beth Shuttleworth, owner of Whispering Ranches Feed, was also happy with the support of the community to help care for the horses. "It takes about two and a half hours twice a day to feed all of them," Shuttleworth said. "It costs $170 a day."
When the horses were seized in early February, after having provided hay for them at the scene, Whispering Ranches also agreed to care for the horses on the property while they remain in the custody of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Jocelyn Freed also wanted to make sure the horses would never be forgotten again. She took coins out of her pocket, some of her own savings, and began to drop them one by one in the containers for the individual horses. "Her mom is very interested in helping and is very involved," grandmother Diane Meckler said. "Jocelyn has been helping animals since she was a very little girl."
Cheryl Kendrick drove all the way from Dover in northeastern Hillsborough County just so she could donate to help support the horses. "We saw it on Bay News 9," Kendrick said. "We love horses. I admire them for doing this."
Other local animal rescue groups also came out to help raise money for the horses. Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch took in 82 of the dogs and cats from Napier and was also represented at the event.
"We are here in support of the forgotten horses," said Karen Slomba, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue associate director. "Everything we raise here today we are donating back to the horses."
At their Smooch-a-pooch booth, people could kiss a puppy for a donation.
Pat O'Connor was one of many who came checkbook in hand. "I understand there is a chance they could get these horses back," O'Connor said. "I would think that would be absolutely awful."
Although no charges have been filed against owners Alan and Sheree Napier, the sheriff's office is seeking permanent custody of the animals seized as it continues its investigation. The couple is going to court March 12 to fight for custody. "They don't deserve animals," O'Connor said. "They had a chance and they did not step up and do what they were supposed to do."
Update 3/7/14:
Below is a list of rescues that took in animals seized
• Canine Castaways
• Cat Depot
• Certified Pre-Owned Dogs
• Ewenity Farms Border Collie Rescue
• Gulf Shore Animal League
• Nate's Honor Animal Rescue
• Lakewood Ranch Humane Society
• Manatee County Animal Services
• Manatee County Humane Society
• Nate's Honor Animal Rescue
• Royal Rescue
• Sarasota County Humane Society
• Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida
• Southeast Beagle Rescue
• VIP Rescue
• Underdog Rescue of Florida
• Whispering Ranches Feed
Reference: The Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Update 3/6/14:
A judge has signed ownership of more than 300 animals seized last month to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, clearing the way for them to be adopted, authorities said.
The order was signed after the owners of Napier's Log Cabin Horse Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E., reached an agreement with the sheriff's office.
Under the agreement, the daughter of owners Alan and Sheree Napier will get custody of 2 confiscated horses, the sheriff's office said. The daughter had taken ownership of the horses before the sheriff's office petition.
The remaining animals, which include dogs, cats, horses and pigs, have been placed with shelters. The agreement allows the shelters to begin finding permanent homes for the animals.
Directors at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch, which took in 82 dogs and cats, said they were relieved at the news. "It's all very exciting, but the unfortunate thing we have to remember is these animals are not adoption ready," said Karen Slomba, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue associate director. "It's great that they are eligible, but we still have health issues to deal with." Most animals still need to be spayed and neutered, and many need dental work, she added. "Now we can do that," Slomba said.
Spaying and neutering requires ownership or permission from the animal's owner. About 70 percent of the animals taken from the Napier's to Honor require sterilization, according to Slomba. "Our policy is that the all animals that leave our facility must be spayed or neutered," Executive Director Dari Oglesby said. "Our animals get neutered at the Humane Society, and they took animals in, too, so it's going to be a while before they can get to ours."
Both directors said they are excited to start the adoption process as soon as possible. "These guys have suffered long enough," Oglesby said. "When they walk out of here, we want them healthy and ready to head to their adoptive homes."
One challenge will be to find enough veterinarians to schedule so many necessary procedures. Additionally, the rescues have stretched shelter resources to the breaking point.
Update 3/9/14:
Nearby residents have complained for years about animals that appeared too thin and ill, trash everywhere on the property and the overwhelming numbers of animals. Hillsborough County stopped sending animals there in 2009 after an inspection.
Transfers of animals were done with minimal requirements by state statute, and Manatee County has minimal requirements for qualifying animal rescues as eligible to take its unwanted and abandoned pets.
Records show county officials have received and responded to complaints about Napier's Log Cabin since at least 2009. Despite those complaints, Manatee County Animal Services entered into a cooperative agreement in January 2010 with the Napier"s and then began transferring animals there in April 2010.
That was nearly a year after Hillsborough stopped sending animals to the same facility after a veterinarian complained about the condition of a puppy and a subsequent inspection uncovered inadequate conditions.
Manatee County Animal Services continued to send animals to the Napier"s even after complaints prompted 1 county commissioner to urge a surprise inspection and to make sure the rescue was following the law.
In January 2011, Animal Services officials advised the shelter it would no longer schedule its inspections in advance, and would instead rely on surprise inspections. And the county continued to send hundreds of animals for placement at the shelter. From April 2012 until January of this year -- a period during which emails and other records show Manatee officials were aware of complaints about the Napier's. Manatee Animal Services transferred 286 dogs and cats to the facility.
On February 5th, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and several other agencies, including Manatee County Animal Services, raided the Napier shelter as part of an animal cruelty and fraud investigation. No charges have been filed in the case.
In May 2009, Hillsborough County Animal Services tried to set up an inspection at Napier's after receiving a complaint from a veterinarian about the poor condition of a pup he had treated. A microchip in the puppy traced it back to Hillsborough Animal Services, but their records indicated they had transferred the pup to Napier's.
"I talked to Alan Napier several times to try and make an appointment," investigator Pamela Perry said, "It took 3 to 4 weeks for him to get back to us."
During phone exchanges in which Perry was trying to schedule an inspection with Napier, Perry said she made it clear the shelter would not receive more animals until Hillsborough Animal Services was able to inspect the facility.
Although out of Hillsborough County's jurisdiction, an adoption partnership agreement the Napier's entered in 2008 allowed county officials to investigate any complaints and inspect the facility.
Perry reached out to her counterparts in Manatee in 2009 to request information about their dealings with the Napier's. "I was told they would get 3 to 4 complaints a year about them," Perry said.
On June 2, 2009, Perry spoke with Alan Napier, who set up an inspection time for the following week. Upon arrival on June 9th, Perry and another investigator observed more than 200 animals, including more than 80 cats, 70 dogs, chickens, hogs and horses.
The inspection report details findings that include poor sanitation, fresh shavings piled over old feces-laden shavings, strong odors of ammonia/urine and feces, excessive flies surrounding animals and food, puppies in cages with no available water and numerous dogs observed with skin issues. There were no records of veterinary care.
"Having a week to prepare for our inspection there were still numerous shelter, water, food and vet care issues, sanitation issues, matting on small dogs, hair-loss and a general lack of husbandry," Perry stated in the 2009 report.
Alan Napier was immediately told that Hillsborough would no longer send animals to his rescue. She had seen enough, Perry recalled. "He was appalled and wanted to know why not," Perry said. "He had plenty of time to get ready for us, and if he thought that was ready, it wasn't. It was still not fit conditions."
In October 2009, Hillsborough shared its investigation report with Manatee County Animal Services, which included photos taken during the inspection. Then-Manatee Public Safety Director Bill Hutchinson, was given a request from Manatee Animal Services Chief Kris Weiskopf to review the photos Hillsborough provided. "While this inspection was done in June, it still becomes an issue as to how we want to proceed," Weiskopf wrote. "My understanding was that it took quite a while for them to get an 'appointment' from Alan Napier to look at the property."
County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who spearheaded the county's no-kill efforts, was also forwarded the report and photos. On October 28, 2009, Weiskopf was emailed to say she could not open the photos. Weiskopf, who was out sick, offered to courier the report and photos over to her when he returned. "Get better, this can all wait," Whitmore replied.
On January 6, 2010, Animal Services Enforcement Supervisor Joel Richmond and Weiskopf conducted an inspection of the Napier's rescue, records show. They found all the animals in good conditions, according to their notes. They observed fresh and clean water and wholesome food as well as kennels and runs to be compliant. The Napier's also presented them with records and veterinarian statements for all the animals at the sanctuary.
Despite Hillsborough's findings, continuous complaints and their exchanges about Napier acknowledging that there were problems, Manatee County Animal Services officials entered into an open-ended agreement on January 29, 2010 to transfer animals to the Napier's.
Ron Koper, who became the county's public safety director 2 years ago, noted Animal Services followed up on Hillsborough's findings. "Four months later, we took their findings and told Napier we needed to come out," Koper said. "I'm not sure what Hillsborough saw out there, but what we saw was not the same thing." The time lapse could have allowed the Napier's to correct deficiencies that had been found by Hillsborough, he said. "I don't know if it was the same, better or worse," Koper said. "But at the time, it didn't violate the statute or ordinance."
State statutes say animals in confinement must be provided with "a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water" and "wholesome exercise and change of air." "It doesn't get specific to what that means," Koper said. "So if you go out and visit the animals and they have food, water and shelter, then you have to use judgment." Officers are also faced with deciding what the conditions of the animals were when they were transferred to the rescue and what care and preventive measures are being taken, he said. "It's difficult when to detect neglect when you can't spot-check," Koper said.
State statutes required only that an animal rescue is an approved nonprofit for the county to contract with them, Manatee shelter manager Nikki Bentley said. When Animal Services contracted with the Napier's, the county required the animal rescue to enter into a cooperative agreement. The agreement stipulates that the animal rescue upon selection of an animal is responsible for the care, handling and ultimate release for sale or adoption of the animals. That includes following the county ordinance that dictates an animal must be sterilized and vaccinated.
On April 21, 2010, Alan Napier began taking in county animals, receiving a total of 54 cats and dogs by the end of the year. Koper said that since Manatee County never found any violations, it had no reason not to enter into an agreement with them. "A complaint about someone that is investigated and unfounded doesn't count against them," Koper said. There were contributing factors that could have led to animal services giving the facility the benefit of the doubt, he said. "We have a pet over-population problem," Koper said. "We have identified a goal to be a no-kill county."
That goal of adopting out at least 90 percent of every animal abandoned at the shelter resulted in an aggressive effort to get animals out, he said. "Different rescue groups take that to different degrees, and people, too," Koper said.
As a result, the department has seen many hoarding situations, where good intentions end badly when people become overwhelmed, he said. "Not to say there is any excuse for what Napier has done, but that is possible," Koper said.
Records reveal how officials responded to the complaints that continued to come in over the years. While Koper said there were times that transfers were temporarily halted while complaints were investigated, they were always quickly resumed.
On July 13, 2010, Richmond received a complaint from a woman who had gone to the Napier's to adopt a dog and was concerned about the well-being of all the animals there. Alan Napier let her in the gate but not further into the facility. The dog she had expressed interest in over the phone was in a cage on a picnic table out front.
"It wasn't the staging areas that really got me upset, it was that the dog had a severe skin disorder on his entire body, feet and ears," she wrote. "Allen Napier told me that they had a bad outbreak of fleas. Through my experience, I know it was not a flea infestation. He would not let us see the other animals." The adoption rate of $455 also surprised the woman, who left unhappy and without the dog.
Richmond forwarded her complaint to Weiskopf with a note: "Just another example of a Napier complaint."
A September 7, 2012 email to Richmond from Karen Mayer, Director of Operations at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, complained about receiving another animal in poor condition from Napier. The puppy was anemic, covered in fleas and underweight. "I know you are trying very hard, and I will call the state and file a complaint as you suggested. But I have to say that I am disappointed that the county still transfers animals out to him," Mayer wrote. "You told me yourself he knows how to work around the system, and transferring animals to him is condoning his behavior and treatment of these animals."
Two weeks later, on September 21, 2012, Animal Services investigated and determined the complaint was unfounded. Problems cited in the county's reports were 2 dogs with green mucus in their eyes, a 20-year-old horse that was too thin and 6 cats that were quarantined for upper respiratory illnesses.
In the week that followed that inspection, Napier received 13 more animals from Manatee Animal Services.
On June 20, 2013, Whitmore responded to an email with documents she had requested about Napier from Richmond. "He is constant in the complaints ... Are we ok with this?" Whitmore asked.
Richmond replied, "If you look at the number of animals he has and moves, the number of complaints are very small comparatively," Richmond wrote. "Most of the complaints we receive are not valid and are 2nd hand from people who have no witness or testimony." He then assured her they would continue to respond to complaints.
On July 22, 2013, Whitmore emailed Richmond again. "This guy is about done!! I am so sick of getting serious complaints about his treatment of animals," she wrote. "Can someone go to his place on a cold call and if he is breaking any of our laws, can we do something?"
Between July 25 and July 27 however, Napier received another 10 dogs from Manatee County.
Manatee County's animal services officials said that despite the many complaints leading up to the raid, state statute and county ordinances limit their oversight of animal rescues such as the Napier's. "I think we were limited by the vagueness of the statute and the ordinance of how a sanctuary is required to maintain its property," Koper said.
There is nothing that requires the county to transfer animals to all rescues. The county approves which rescues it contracts with. The law does not specify how many animals a rescue can have in general or the ratio of employees and volunteers to animals within the shelter. It also does not specify adoption fees for rescues or mandate the proper level of veterinary care. "That in a way did restrict our hands," Koper said.
Complaints were generally about a specific animal, he said. When animal services did inspections, they would find only minor deficiencies that would be corrected on the spot or soon thereafter, he said. "We needed a mechanism to do a spot inspection without a warning," Koper said. "And the only way to do that was with a warrant. And to do that, law enforcement needs to go to a judge with probable cause. A complaint is not probable cause." Ultimately, though, the complaints proved founded.
"Finally, when we were able to get a warrant, we were able to find what we suspected for quite a bit of time," Koper said. Whitmore said no one ever came to her to say that changes needed to be made to county policy. "I set policy, I don't run any departments," Whitmore said. Now she is awaiting the results of an internal audit of Animals Services by the Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller. "I am not sure with this investigation and internal audit what will be found, but if there are changes that need to be made and administration will make sure it's made," Whitmore said.
Update 3/25/14:
Adam Lamb, chief of Animal Care and Medical Services at the SPCA Florida, sorts through the paperwork for 14 dogs, 3 of which were on a kill list, before transporting them from Manatee County Animal Services to an adoption facility in Lakeland.
Anne Forrest of Bradenton clasped her hands in prayer moments after arriving at Manatee County Animal Services Monday in Palmetto. She was determined none of the 11 dogs at risk to be put down would be killed. She left ecstatic.
All 11 dogs listed to be euthanized due to lack of space in Manatee County Animal Services kennels are now safe, said Joel Richmond, Manatee County Animal Services supervisor. Eight were adopted, Richmond said. Three remained.
Florida's SPCA from Lakeland took the final 3 named Mrs. Riley, Taylor and Sprinkles. The Florida SPCA in Lakeland ended up taking 14 dogs to create some additional kennel space.
"I couldn't sleep last night," said Forrest, chief executive officer of The Arthritis Foundation, Florida Chapter. "I had to come. I am so relieved." Forrest lost 3 of her own dogs last year to old-age ailments. They were all 14 and over.
Update 3/13/14:
An early February raid of an east Manatee County animal shelter has advocates concerned about shortcomings in policies and procedures within Animal Services.
Questions were raised during an Animal Services Advisory Board meeting regarding the seizure of more than 300 animals housed at Napier 's Log Cabin and Animal Sanctuary.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen, who serves on the advisory board, said she spoke with workers at area rescues who took some of the animals found at Napier 's. Most of the animals had parasites and fleas. Many had not been spayed or neutered. And some had more serious medical problems.
"I am so troubled by the discrepancy by what we heard about Napier's at this board and what was found," Peelen said. Peelen said Animal Services previously reported that Napier's was "iffy, a little weird," but that there were no violations. "They found horrendous circumstances," she said, referring to the raid.
Rescue workers and law enforcement agents said animals were caked in their own feces and that the wooden floors inside the Napier home were "spongy" with urine.
Peelen moved that the advisory board agree to draft a statement to present to the County Commission regarding the situation. Members agreed unanimously. That draft will be reviewed at a special meeting before being taken to a County Commission meeting.
Committee members asked whether Animal Services officers have the ability to search anywhere animals are housed when conducting inspections at partner facilities. If a shelter operator refuses, shouldn't that raise a red flag, Peelen asked. Kris Weiskopf, director of animal services, shrugged. "There's nothing to say yes or no either way," he said.
Weiskopf added that they are working on a contract that would require partners to allow unannounced, thorough inspections at partner facilities.
Rebecca Neal, board member and president of the Humane Society of Manatee County, said she worries that the Napier's fiasco could cause problems for the no-kill initiative adopted by the County Commission in 2011. "If the board decided to get rid of the no-kill policy, then we're taking a giant step backwards and that concerns me," Neal said. "Our mission is to create a no-kill community. We would be doing a disservice to sit in silence."
The no-kill policy relied on Animal Services forming partnerships with shelters willing to take animals to prevent euthanasia fueled by over-crowding. Since the initiative was adopted, Animal Services now boasts a save rate of 90 percent.
Neal fears that the county and citizens will believe that to meet that no-kill quota, Animal Services sent animals to a filthy facility. She said that is not the case, but that it does put the no-kill initiative in a bad light.
"I don't want people to say they just wanted them out," Neal said. "I don't want no-kill to become a casualty as well."
During public comment, Audrey Garrison, president of Gulf Shore Animal League, echoed that concern. She said Napier's Log Cabin and Animal Rescue was partners with Animal Services before no-kill went into effect and that the shelter took "small, highly adoptable" dogs and cats that would have likely been taken by other rescues.
Most of the animals taken from Napier's property are ready for adoption at area rescues.
The Manatee County Clerk of Courts internal audit team is looking into procedures at Animals Services, including how complaints and animals are processed. The next Animal Services Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for April 3rd.
Update 4/17/14:
Alan and Sheree were arrested on 29 counts of animal cruelty, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, with other charges pending.
Alan Napier, age 51, was charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty and 1 count of fraud. Sheree Napier, age 45, was charged with 14 counts of animal cruelty. "The animal cruelty charges involved 9 dogs, 5 horses and 1 cat," the sheriff's office said in a news release. The couple was arrested at their home, according to the report.
Bonds was set at $21,000 for Sheree Napier and $24,000 for Alan Napier . They are in the Manatee County jail.
The sanctuary had been under investigation by the sheriff's office since December 9th when investigators received an anonymous tip.
After the arrest, the sanctuary looked desolate except for a few vehicles parked out front. As strong winds shook the trees beyond the closed iron gate, an entrance sign still beckoned people to visit the sanctuary website for animal adoptions. An orange "danger" sign placed after the raid by the Manatee County Building Department was gone. A large dog of undetermined breed later emerged, sitting alertly by the front of the sanctuary.
"We still have some more investigating to do," Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Rob Hendrickson said. "There are still more charges pending."
Manatee County Animal Services has also been scrutinized since the raid for allowing animals to be transferred to the Napier's for years despite rumors and complaints about mistreatment.
Deputies observed that the Napier's had made efforts to fix problems at their property since February. "We will say that the conditions were better," Bristow said. "They cleaned everything up."
Update 4/18/14:
"He's been allowed to get away with an awful lot -- why?" asks animal activist Deborah Bird who's referring to the recently updated website for Alan Napier's Animal Sanctuary which shows it appears to be open for business under a new name Napier's Family Farm and Animal Rescue.
"Animals on the website do not look in good condition. One is heartworm positive with dry eye and is obviously a breeder dog. The Pomeranian looks very sick too."
"He needs to be in jail," says Bird. "It's up to us not to let him start up again," says Bird.
Napier has spent the last couple of months cleaning up the property.
Napier's new website, http://www.napierfamilyfarm.com explains he takes in homeless animals that would be put down to assist with the county's mission to be a "No-Kill" community. He lists the number of animals Manatee Animal Services has transferred to him since 2010 -- 286 total -- and how many animals he's helped find homes, including 14 so far this year. But there's no mention of the raid.
Bird says Alan Napier's arrest along with his wife Sheree is in memory of the animals. "So many new nothing but suffering," says Bird.
Update 4/19/14:
A veterinarian used by an East Manatee shelter under investigation for animal cruelty and fraud was arrested on related charges.
Edward Dunham, a licensed veterinarian, was arrested at about at his home in Palmetto and charged with 1 count of aggravated animal cruelty, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Dunham, 76, is listed as the director of veterinary medicine at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, according to Florida corporation documents.
On December 22nd, Dunham performed a spay and hernia repair surgery on a dog, named Noel, from the Napier rescue, according to his arrest report. His records indicated that he only used Ketamine, an anesthetic that is only acceptable for cats during minor, brief surgical procedures or diagnostics according to Plumbs Veterinary Drug Handbook, the report said.
“Ketamine for use in dogs is to be combined with a sedative or anesthetic as Ketamine in itself provides little or no pain management,” an investigator wrote. “Ketamine strictly immobilizes the patient and induces a state of amnesia.”
The dog endured excessive, unnecessary pain and suffering during the procedures according to records and Dunham’s testimony, the report said.
Dunham remained in custody at the Manatee County jail on $1,500 bond, according to the sheriff’s website.
At their first court hearing, Judge Charles Roberts ordered the Napier's to have no contact with any animals and any of the potential witnesses in the case against them.
Roberts denied Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro’s request the couple be held for a Nebbia hearing, to determine if any of the money that could be used for bond was illegitimately acquired, such as profit from any related charges or crimes.
In the courtroom on behalf of the couple was defense attorney Michael Perry.
Sheree Napier bonded out on bonds totaling $21,000. Alan Napier bonded out on bonds totaling $24,000.
The investigation is ongoing, and the couple could face additional charges.
Update 4/20/14:
News of the couple's arrest spread through the animal welfare community.
"We are pleased to see our justice system at work," Karen Slomba, associate director at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue. "We have had people who have called concerned." Many of the callers said that the Napier's currently have animals posted for adoption, she said. "We directed those calls to the sheriff's office," Slomba said. "There seems to be a public outcry about what is posted on the website."
Cam McCarthy, a board member with Nate's Honor, said she has seen animals the Napier's still have listed for adoption on Petango.com. "If they're on Petango it generally means they are active," McCarthy said. "The dogs that were confiscated are not on the website, so that means these are new animals."
Currently Petango.com has 3 dogs and 3 cats listed for adoption at Napier's. Emails to the website have not been answered.
For the years she has worked with Nate's Honor, McCarthy said there have been concerns in the community about the Napier's. "I was elated to find out that the arrests finally came," McCarthy said. She recalls the days after the raid when many of the animals were brought into Nate's Honor in horrible condition. "Some are doing great now and some are not," McCarthy said. "The biggest issue we are seeing with them is some of them don't trust humans."
Update 5/12/14:
As complaints over Manatee shelter mounted, county continued to send dogs and cats there. Email inboxes filled with complaints -- sick animals, lethargic animals, flea-covered animals, underweight animals, animals with skin disorders.
There were about 20 complaints referencing Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary sent from 2010 through 2013 to Manatee County officials. The number of complaints fielded over the phone or in person likely adds to those written and archived.
Despite those complaints and inspections documenting less-than-ideal conditions, Manatee County Animal Services sent 286 dogs and cats to the East Manatee shelter during that time.
"You try to imagine it in your head, but you go back and see it, and it's worse than you could ever imagine." 'Conditions are average'
The scene that greeted those involved in the raid was horrific. The smell of ammonia was overwhelming. Food was scattered over dried-up feces. Cages were infested with fleas. Wood floors inside the home were soaked with urine.
But those conditions did not manifest overnight. And it's unlikely they arose only after December 17th, 2013 -- the date of the last known inspection completed by Animal Services, when an officer noted that all the animals had food, water and shelter and that the Napier's were planning projects to improve the shelter.
"All though the conditions are not the best here at Napier's, they do fall under the county and state requirements," the officer wrote.
Jean Peelen, Holmes Beach commissioner and member of the Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board, has expressed concern that personnel were not accurately describing the facility. "Conditions don't deteriorate like that in less than 2 months," Peelen said.
A review of inspections dating back to 2010, when the transfer partnership began, shows a history of dirty conditions, flooded cages, sick-looking animals and roach infestations. "I find no major problems out here; it is a little dirty, but no more than expected," an officer wrote in an inspection report from January 26th, 2011.
A similar report was made more than years later. "Food bowls were infested with German roaches," an officer wrote on July 26th, 2013. "At this time ASO believes that conditions are average for this type of rescue facility."
Despite officials telling complainants that Napier's was subject to surprise inspections, few walk-throughs were completed on the first attempt. In most cases, officers went to Napier's to find the gate locked and no one home, records show. They would leave a notice and wait for the Napier's to call to set up an appointment up to a week later.
Hillsborough County stopped transferring animals to Napier's in June 2009 when an inspector observed inadequate living conditions: "poor sanitation, fresh shavings laid over old feces laid over shavings, strong odor of ammonia/urine and feces, excessive flies."
The inspector noted that she spoke with Alan Napier on June 2, 2009, to set up the inspection for the following week. "Appeared that the amount of animals currently on property was overwhelming even for a crew of people to take care of adequately," the officer wrote. "Having a week to prepare for our inspections, there were still numerous shelter, water, food and vet care issues."
That inspection report and photos were sent to Manatee County Animal Services in October 2009, 3 months before they began transferring animals to Napier's.
While some of the inspections at Napier's were routine, many were spurred by complaints from other rescues, neighbors and potential adopters who visited the sanctuary.
On July 12th, 2010, Yvette Biggs emailed Animal Services with concerns she had about Napier's. A week earlier, she had gone there to look at a 9-month-old Chihuahua. When Alan Napier opened the gate, Biggs said that the dog was right inside the property, sitting in a cage on top of a picnic table. Biggs wrote that she had expected to meet in an office, especially since it was raining, and thought she might get to see other dogs on the property. She also said she felt the $455 adoption fee was a bit costly. "It wasn't the staging area that really got me upset," she continued. "It was that the dog had a severe skin disorder on his entire body, feet and ears. The dog's nails and ears were also dirty."
Alan Napier apparently explained that the skin condition was the result of a recent flea outbreak. But her brother and sister-in-law had adopted a dog from the same place 8 months earlier. "The dog also had a skin disorder, which I find very odd considering the length of time," Biggs wrote. Concerned by the dogs' health, Biggs asked Animal Services to launch an investigation into Napier's.
The following day, Animal Services Officer Joel Richmond forwarded her email to director Kris Weiskopf with the note: "Just another example of a Napier complaint."
Animal Services briefly suspended transfers to Napier's in December 2012, when Richmond learned that " Napier's lawyer has reached out to some of the big groups about taking some of the animals from him as he has gotten overwhelmed," an email states. Two months later, 4 animals were transferred to Napier's.
In an email complaint dated January 18th, 2013, another Napier's visitor wrote that she adopted a puppy a few weeks earlier. When she first saw the dog, she said it was "covered in feces and urine." Her family ended up paying about $500 for the Dachshund puppy, then several hundreds more in veterinary bills for treatment of mange and parasites. "We couldn't morally leave the dogs in that situation," said the woman, who asked that her name not be used.
At one point in July 2013, County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who fielded numerous complaints over several years, sent an email to Richmond expressing her frustration. "This guy is about done!! I am so sick of getting serious complaints about his treatment of animals," Whitmore wrote. "Can someone go to his place on a cold call and if he is breaking any of our laws, can we do something?"
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office launched a criminal investigation late last year -- but only after an angry citizen bypassed the usual channels and went straight to Assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro, who prosecutes animal cruelty cases. "It involved a group of concerned citizens, some Facebook images of some emaciated horses and some upset neighbors," the citizen, Cheryl Eason, said. "They all knew something needed to be done, and MCAS would not help after numerous complaints. "The neighbors were getting nowhere with Animal Services, and they reached out for help, and this is where I got involved," Eason said. She contacted Chittaro, who put her in touch with the sheriff's office.
By February, detectives had gained enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the property.
Though no officials from Animal Services will confirm that animals were being transferred to Napier's to maintain a no-kill rate of about 90 percent, the question has been raised. "That's very clear that they were trying to make their numbers by giving their dogs to Napier's," said Peelen, the Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board member. "That just disgusts me."
Manatee County adopted the no-kill resolution in 2011. The next year, the number of dogs transferred to Napier's more than doubled. That same pattern was seen in 2013, until Manatee County stopped transferring animals there in November.
"That (no-kill) number means nothing unless the animals are treated humanely and taken care of," Whitmore said. "My goal in this whole thing was to save more animals. I would never do anything to jeopardize any animals to reach that number, and I wouldn't tolerate if anybody did."
When asked if any staff members ever mentioned that the no-kill initiative caused too much pressure or negative compromises, Whitmore said: "If it did it never came to my office."
Update 5/18/14:
The Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board came to a troubling conclusion about Manatee County Animal Services, disclosing publicly last week that the board had not been informed about the squalid conditions at Napier 's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary and indeed were misled by officials.
An anonymous complaint -- not 1 from Manatee County Animal Services -- launched an investigation on December 9th. Two months later, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office led a multi-agency law enforcement raid on the East Manatee facility, rescuing more than 300 animals from horrible conditions.
At the advisory board meeting, Jean Peelen read some disconcerting statements from the panel's letter to county commissioners. The most damaging: "We base our recommendations largely on information provided to us by Animal Services. Unfortunately, regarding Napier's refuge, the information that we got from Animal Services was far from reliable. It was misleading."
Last month, county commissioners reaffirmed the support for Manatee's No Kill policy adopted in 2011. This Editorial Board has been a strong proponent for the program, the first of its kind in Florida.
Animal Services transfers dogs, cats and other animals out of the county shelter to rescue organizations to prevent euthanasia and get pets back into the community.
As of last month, the save rate stood at 93 percent, above the national No Kill movement's goal of 90 percent. When commissioners joined the movement, the live release rate was only 61 percent in Manatee.
But the Napier scandal prompts a fundamental question: Is Manatee County overzealous in pursuit of No Kill's high animal release and adoption rate?
And is that why Animal Services continued to release animals to the Napier's after 3 years of citizen complaints? How could county inspections only find"minor violations" unworthy of citations?
Just a month before the anonymous complaint prompted law enforcement action, county officials reassured the Animal Services Advisory Board. "We were told as recently as November 2013 that Napier was borderline, but OK," the panel's letter reads.
The disturbing and inhumane conditions found there during the raid could not have developed so quickly. Furthermore, "Quite a number of people onsite with the raid have said that no one could have walked 10 feet onto the property without smelling the horrible smell of decay, sickness and animal waste," Peelen read from the letter. All this casts a very poor light on Animal Services.
Within a few days of the February raid, the county administration pledged to conduct an internal audit to evaluate the performance of Animal Services in dealing with the animal cruelty complaints lodged against the Napier's. That audit was suspended a few weeks ago at the request of the MCSO while the office conducts its investigation into the Napier case.
Regardless, county policies on Animal Services must be tightened to prevent lax oversight of private rescue organizations that accept county shelter animals. Plus, detailed inspection reports with images should be available to the advisory board and the public. The agency must be held accountable.
Update 5/21/14:
The Manatee County administrator announced an outside firm will evaluate Manatee County Animal Services in the wake of concerns raised by the investigation into allegations of animal cruelty at an East Manatee County animal rescue.
County Administrator Ed Hunzeker made his announcement at the conclusion of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners meeting.
The Manatee County Commission received a letter from the Animal Services Advisory Board stating it felt misled by information received from Animal Services officials regarding the Napier operation.
Commissioner Michael Gallen pushed for action from the board. "It is my opinion that the trust in Animal Services is in question in the community," Gallen said.
Gallen asked if there was not enough evidence already to take action against Animal Service employees even without findings from the criminal investigation. "Isn't there enough out there for an administrative leave?" Gallen asked. "I felt like we should do something in the meantime with the individuals who were directing or advising the Advisory Board."
Hunzeker proposed a different approach. "We are committed to constantly and consistently improving our operations and we would be in short order contracting with an independent outside firm to evaluate all policies, procedures, protocols, practices, staffing plan, facilities and report back to the board when we have facts," Hunzeker said. "There is a lot of chatter out there in the world of social media and even in the letter you received from the Animal Services Advisory Board that is willfully short of facts." Hunzeker cautioned the board not to jump to conclusions. "We have in this country a presumption of innocence," Hunzeker said. "We will deal with it once we have facts." Hunzeker promised a plan for action would be included when the outside audit is made public.
Some board members said they were concerned by Animal Services emailing updated agreement documents to animal rescue groups. The email said rescue partners "would refrain from negative comments or posts on any online or social media platforms" regarding the Manatee County Animal Services operations. Some rescue organizations, outraged by the MCAS demand, threatened to stop taking animals from the county shelter.
Commissioners were upset, too. "That's what floored me was that the policy was changed and we weren't informed," Gallen said. Public Safety Director Ron Koper acknowledged the line added to the updated agreement caused a social media uproar. Still, he asked rescue groups to refrain from bashing Animal Services. "We should as business partners be respectful of each other," Koper said. "It can be removed. At this point it is a proposed change."
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh directed Koper to remove that specific line about not commenting on MCAS operations. "The bottom line is this has been a big black eye for our county," Baugh said. "Before anything else is sent out to the public, meet with your commissioners and get your advisory board involved, because that's their job. We want to help but we can't help if we don't know."
KRISTINA
As the Napier's Animal Sanctuary trial gets closer, my mind keeps taking me back to the day that I walked onto that property in my attempts to help the animals. One of the first dogs I came to was this blue Pittie. As all the dogs went crazy trying to climb, break through their makeshift kennels in desperate attempts to get out, this beautiful girl sat in her filthy kennel, in weeks worth of feces, diarrhea and pooled urine, and watched us quietly. After we made our rounds inspecting this sanctuary. We confirmed that this was worse than anyone ever could have imagined. After I had finished photographing every disgusting kennel I came back to her kennel and l looked at her quietly standing there and promised her that rescue would be here soon and told her to hang on just a little longer. The next day the investigation began. Each night for the next 2 months I watched the Napiers website. I learned that this beautiful girl was named Kristina and she was just 4 years old and had been at Napiers for a year after being "rescued" from Manatee County Animal Services. I saw her face over and over in my head and I still do. I swear on my life that she spoke to me that day and she knew exactly why I was there. Six weeks after I took this picture of her I saw her disappear off of Napiers website. At that moment I knew in my heart what had happened. I screamed!!! The day of the seizure I watched the authorities lead all 207 dogs off that property. The entire time I watched for Kristina and was hoping to take her back with me. She was found the next day along with 20 others in a shallow grave. Not sure why I want to share this with you all on this page but I've been carrying a lot of weight on my shoulders for the last year and now that the trial is near I want to start talking about it. I want everyone just as mad, sad, furious, sick feeling......as I am so that these monsters don't get away with what they've done to possibly thousands of animals over the years. The Napier's are facing several felony animal cruelty charges and fraud charges and the trial is going on NOW.
~ Cherl Eason
