A NSW council has made the “difficult decision” to euthanise 21 dogs at its animal care facility after one surrendered to the center tested positive for canine parvovirus.
A spokesperson for Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council said the very serious disease was spreading rapidly among dogs at the facility.
“The facility is not an animal hospital and with veterinary advice and attendance, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to euthanize all 21 dogs,” the spokesperson said.
The center is currently closed until further notice and is undergoing deep cleaning to prevent further contamination.
“We would like to remind the community that canine parvovirus is a very serious disease,” the spokesperson said.
“The disease came to the facility via a surrendered dog, meaning parvovirus is present in the community.
“We strongly encourage our community to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and to be alert and monitor their dog’s health.”
RSPCA Australia said the best thing people could do was vaccinate their dogs to protect them from the deadly virus.
A NSW council had to euthanize 21 dogs after a dog brought to an animal shelter tested positive for the deadly canine parvovirus (stock image)
The spokesperson said canine parvovirus was a viral disease of dogs that attacked and damaged tissues with rapidly dividing cells, such as white blood cells and cells of the gastrointestinal tract.
“Canine parvovirus can cause serious illness and death,” the spokesperson said.
The council led to divided reactions from the community.
While many people sympathized with the staff, others felt it could have been better.
One of them thanked the municipality for alerting residents that the deadly virus was present in the community.
“A truly heartbreaking situation,” they said.
The dogs were euthanized at the Queanbeyan Animal Management Facility (pictured) and the center is now closed while staff conduct a deep clean
“I can’t imagine anyone who works at the animal control center not being affected by this terrible outcome.”
Another said they understood people’s anger because it was devastating, but canine parvovirus was a terrible disease and highly contagious.
“I can’t imagine how the staff at the facility feels,” the person noted.