Deadly Dog Disease Hits Liberty Co. Shelter

The Liberty County Humane Shelter is facing a tough challenge: how to protect animals from a deadly and highly contagious disease called Parvo.

Outbreaks occur about twice a year across the United States. Liberty County's Animal Control and its Humane Shelter share one facility, which makes containing the disease almost impossible. In the past few weeks more than 20 dogs there have died.

When animal control brings them in they have no idea if the animals are sick. "Stray animals have come in with Parvo and basically spread it over the facility," says Sandra Frye with the Humane Society.

Since Liberty County's Animal Control and Humane Society share a building, workers are taking extra steps. "When we have to put one down it's very emotional for us. We get attached to all of our animals because we are a no-kill shelter and we're committed to the animals finding a home," says Sandra.

The staff here is doing everything it can to help control the disease, including wearing gloves every time they go in one of the quarantine sheds. They also have to slip on different shoes when they walk in and they dip them in bleach when they walk in and out of the shed.

Dogs that’ve been exposed to Parvo are quarantined for 14 to 17 days. As for food bowls, instead of washing them in the animal control area, "We carry hot water to the buckets and they are washing dishes in the buckets with some bleach water in it to kill the germs," says Sandra.

They're also throwing away many items, worried they could be contaminated. So that means they're spending more money – money they don't have. But Sandra says that's the price they have to pay to save lives. "We've saved quite a few and we'll keep doing what we can do."

You Can Help the Liberty County Humane Shelter

To help raise money, the Humane Shelter is sponsoring a Doggie Fun Day and Yard Sale. It's set for this Saturday from two to six pm at YMCA Field. The fun day includes dog washes, obedience training, food for pet owners, and several prizes. Some of the categories are best costume and owner look-a-like.

Parvo Symptoms

Lack of appetite

Vomiting

Yellow, Dark Brown, or Bloody Foul-Smelling Diarrhea

Dehydration

If your pet has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Contact Liberty County Humane Shelter

Click Here for the Website

PO Box 1481

Hinesville, GA 31310