[arycrest]

The Marion County animal shelter in Ocala, Florida will euthanize over 80 dogs because canine flu, pneumonia, distemper, parvo and other diseases is running rampant in the facility. The shelter is not allowing any adoptions or drop offs until the facility is cleaned and sterilized. They think that the outbreak is due to the high number of unvaccinated animals that have recently entered the facility.

FROM WESH - NBC - Orlando:
"84 Dogs To Be Put Down

Some sick dogs are forcing Marion County Animal Services to close its doors.

The facility will close from Thursday, July 10, to Saturday, July 12, to deal with cases of canine influenza, distemper, parvo, pneumonia and kennel cough in a number of dogs.

According to a news release, Marion County Public Information Officer Judge Cochran said staff is expected to put down 84 dogs. Even the animals not showing symptoms must be put down because they are likely carriers of airborne diseases.

Other shelters around the state have had to close in recent weeks due to similar outbreaks.

"We are forced to take measures to contain this problem at the shelter. This situation would only get worse in time unless, we take aggressive steps," Jill Lancon, Animal Services director, said in a news release.

During the time the facility is closed, the staff will sterilize everything in the building.

More than 15,000 animals a year find care at Animal Services. These animals are brought into the shelter by people who found strays, owners who don't want their pets and animal control officers, according to a news release. " http://www.wesh.com/news/16824489/detail.html

 

[shilohsmom]

That is so sad. Those poor babies.