Dog pound temporarily closed

Published on 10 February 2014

10 February 2014

Wanganui District Council has temporarily closed its dog pound as a precaution following an outbreak of parvovirus in dogs resident at the pound.

Deputy Strategy and Development Manager Jonathan Barrett said two puppies at the pound developed parvovirus last Wednesday but during the weekend three older, larger impounded dogs also came down with the virus. Canine parvovirus is a severe viral infection which causes a sudden onset of profuse smelly bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. This can lead to severe dehydration and death.

“We are normally able to contain parvo, which is more common in puppies, but because dogs in another area of the pound developed the virus, we have closed the pound as a precaution while we undertake an intense sanitising process,” Mr Barrett said.

“The puppies and dogs with the virus have been put down. Unfortunately, many of the dogs that we get at the pound have not been vaccinated and these puppies were only about six weeks old and should still have been with their mother.

“While we undertake the cleaning process, the pound will be closed to the public. We will be cleaning the footpaths and areas around the office as well as the kennels. Any dogs that we receive during this time will be taken to council pounds in other districts.

“Some dogs have been rehomed from the pound in the last few days and their new owners will understandably be concerned. We recommend that they contact their vet for advice and to ensure their dogs are vaccinated.”