Manatee County Animal Services has new leadership.
On Wednesday, Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker announced the changes in an effort to reaffirm the county’s commitment to being a No Kill community.
Bill Hutchison, the County’s former Public Safety director, is taking over the lead role at Animal Services.
The change was effective on Wednesday.
“I asked Bill to return from retirement because he has a proven track record of success as a leader in this organization and is already well-known and respected in the animal community," said Hunzeker. “Bill understands the importance of this division and the No Kill initiative to both our Board and to the public.”
Hunzeker thanked county commissioners for taking up the responsibility to become Florida’s first No Kill community in 2011.
He also thanked Public Safety Director Ron Koper, former Animal Services Chief Kris Weiskopf, local animal rescue groups and volunteers who all helped achieve Manatee’s No Kill goals.
Manatee County has averaged a 90 percent save rate for healthy, adoptable animals for 15 consecutive months.
Hunzeker also announced that Peyt Dewar, a code enforcement officer for the past nine years, will assume operational responsibilities at Animal Services.
County officials reaffirmed Manatee’s commitment to No Kill remains as strong as ever, meaning Animal Services will continue to strive toward a live release rate of 90 percent or greater each month for healthy, adoptable animals.
Hutchison said he decided to come out of retirement because he wanted to help Hunzker, an old friend, and because he has a passion for animals.