A New South Wales council has made the “difficult decision” to euthanize 21 dogs at its animal handling facility after one of them delivered to the center tested positive for canine parvovirus.
A spokesperson for Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council said the serious illness spread quickly among dogs at the facility.
“The facility is not an animal hospital and, with the advice and assistance of a veterinarian, we made the difficult but necessary decision to euthanize the 21 dogs,” the spokesperson said.
The center is currently closed until further notice and is undergoing a deep cleaning to prevent further contamination.
“We want to remind the community that canine parvovirus is a very serious disease,” the spokesperson said.
‘The disease came to the facility through a surrendered dog, which means parvovirus is in the community.
“We strongly encourage our community to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and to be alert and monitor their 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 put down 21 dogs after a dog brought to its animal handling facility tested positive for the deadly canine parvovirus (file 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 in the gastrointestinal tract.
“Canine parvovirus can cause serious illness and death,” the spokesperson said.
The advice sparked a divided reaction from the community.
While many people sympathized with the staff, others believed it could have been handled better.
One thanked the council for warning residents that the deadly virus was in the community.
“A truly heartbreaking situation,” they commented.
The dogs were euthanized at Queanbeyan Animal Management Center (pictured) and the center is now closed while staff carry out a deep clean.
“I can’t imagine anyone who works at animal control wouldn’t be affected by this terrible outcome.”
Another said he understood the anger people had because it was devastating, but canine parvovirus was a horrendous and highly contagious disease.
“I can’t imagine how the staff at the center feel,” the person commented.
