Three Dogs Cleared for Adoption After Animal Cruelty Case in Bradenton
Three of five dogs removed from a Bradenton home during an animal cruelty investigation last fall have been cleared for future adoption following a court ruling in Manatee County.
A judge approved Rubble, Winnie, and Blue for placement after granting custody to Manatee County Animal Welfare and revoking ownership from the former owners. The dogs have been under the care of Bishop Animal Shelter since October, when they were seized during the execution of a search warrant.
An emergency animal cruelty examination conducted at the time found that all five dogs were either emaciated or malnourished, with some suffering from dehydration. Investigators also noted pressure sores on several of the animals, consistent with improper housing conditions.
Since their rescue, Rubble, Winnie, and Blue have shown significant improvement. All three have regained weight, are reported to be doing well, and are expected to be ready to meet potential adopters in the coming weeks. Adoptions will be coordinated through Manatee County Animal Welfare, which has asked the public not to visit the shelter until the dogs are officially cleared and listed for adoption.
Rubble, a Cane Corso mix estimated to be about 7 years old, has made a remarkable recovery. He weighed just 52 pounds in October and now weighs nearly 100 pounds. Winnie, a mixed-breed dog approximately 6 years old, weighed 25 pounds when she was rescued and now weighs about 40 pounds. Blue, a pit bull mix estimated to be around 1 year old, is described as playful and social.
The two remaining dogs from the case, Henry and Hades, were voluntarily surrendered by their owners in October. Both were medically cleared in November and were adopted into permanent homes during the holiday season.
Residents interested in adopting are encouraged to follow Manatee County Animal Welfare’s social media channels for updates on when Rubble, Winnie, and Blue will be available for adoption.
