WESTCOAST NEWS
SPCA trying to track down source of dogs after puppy becomes ill

Trail Times

Thursday, July 28, 2005

TRAIL - The SPCA was urgently looking for anyone who may have taken home a free shepherd-cross puppy from a local park over the past few days because they may have been given a sick animal.

"A young boy has apparently been giving out free puppies in the park," said Tim Kenna, manager of the Trail branch of the SPCA. "One of the litter was brought to our shelter on Monday with parvo, a highly infectious virus that is nearly always fatal if not treated right away."

The SPCA is treating the sick puppy it found as a stray because it was given from a child to a child, he added.

"We don't know if the child had the authority to give the dog away ... we are trying to find out who has the mother as they may not know they may have a dog with parvo."

The six-week-old puppy was admitted to a local animal hospital and likely to recover, said Dr. Elaine Klemmensen.

Kenna's biggest concern is "we don't know where [in the park] the dog was being given away ... if these dogs left the virus in the park, they are putting that area at risk."

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that affects the intestinal lining. It is preventable by vaccination.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005