Animal lovers with a knack for policy, a veterinary license or volunteer hours clocked now have a way to put those credentials to work for Manatee County.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 17 to establish two animal welfare advisory boards and immediately opened applications for seats. The move sets the stage for what officials hope will be a new era of transparency and community involvement in local animal welfare.
The two boards — the Animal Services Advisory Board and the Animal Services Technical Advisory Board — work in tandem. The ASAB is a citizen-facing body, a panel of 11 community members who will advise commissioners and administration on animal welfare policy, education programs, community outreach and funding options…