NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOGS AND PUPPIES FROM RECENT ANIMAL PROTECTION CASE PLACED IN QUARANTINE AS A PRECAUTION
EDMONTON, AB (August 16, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has placed the Havanese dogs and puppies who were involved in a recent animal protection case in quarantine. The decision comes after EHS was notified on Wednesday that one of the dogs from the case, who had been transferred to another organization, has been showing symptoms of canine distemper.
“We have the dogs in quarantine out of an abundance of caution” said Catherine Stevenson, Director of Operations at the Edmonton Humane Society. “At this time we have no reason to believe the dogs in our care are ill, and this precautionary step will allow our medical team to closely monitor the dogs for any symptoms and prevent the potential spread of disease.”
The first group of dogs were transferred to EHS last Friday from the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC). EHS has taken in 30 dogs and puppies from the case so far. Seven of the 30 dogs had been medically cleared for adoption on Wednesday morning, and EHS received the news of the possible distemper case after the dogs became available. All seven dogs already have families interested in them, however the adoptions in progress have been paused while the dogs are in quarantine.
“We are hopeful that the dogs will remain healthy,” added Stevenson, “however given the situation and the living conditions which they came from, we want to be extra careful. We’re looking forward to seeing the first group of dogs go home after the quarantine period.”
The quarantine period is expected to last until next Friday, at which time EHS will continue with preparing the other dogs for adoption. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to continue checking their website for when they become available.
In the meantime, operations at EHS will continue as normal. The shelter has a canine hospital unit where 10 of the dogs are currently in isolation to minimize risk of infection. The remaining 20 dogs are in foster care, where they will remain in quarantine in those homes for this period.
People who wish to donate towards the costs of caring for these dogs can do so online here.
About the Edmonton Humane Society
As a leader in the advancement of animal welfare, the Edmonton Humane Society enriches the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement. The charity has been serving animals in Edmonton and surrounding areas for over 110 years. For more information, visit https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/.
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