Seized dog forces quarantine at shelter

Animal taken from alleged puppy mill tests positive for canine distemper

A Calgary animal shelter is under quarantine shortly after taking in 25 dogs seized from an alleged puppy mill in Edmonton, one of which tested positive for a potentially deadly canine virus.

The Havanese puppy, named Licorice, has been diagnosed with canine distemper, an airborne disease that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system.

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) announced the quarantine Thursday and expects it to last two weeks.

“This is what our shelter is designed to handle,” said Niki Vlooswyk with AARCS.

“Distemper is an airborne virus and it can be fatal, so unvaccinated dogs are at risk. We do this as a protection to make sure all the other animals in our care and the public’s animals are kept safe.”

Licorice is in stable condition and hospitalized in isolation. Vlooswyk said AARCS hasn’t identified any other animals at risk.

The City of Edmonton seized 72 dogs from a rural property in July after reports of serious neglect. The Havanese-type dogs, ranging from just two weeks in age to adults, were then sent to Edmonton and Calgary shelters.

During the check-up process Licorice was found ill, forcing the shelter to close its dog intake for the time being. However, the reception area will still be open to visitors looking to offer donations.

Vlooswyk said AARCS members are working on moving the animals into quarantine foster homes and plan a full disinfection of the shelter. She said they have dealt with instances like this before but it still takes a toll on the charity, slowing down the adoption process and straining resources.

“It is a little bit harder. We go through a lot more supplies. Our volunteers are required to wear gowns and gloves and change them in between each animal that they care for,” she explained.

“The animals either at the shelter or exposed in some way, directly or indirectly with this dog, have to be on hold so it delays their adoption time period and time before they can be spayed and neutered and that type of stuff.”

Currently, AARCS is housing 45 dogs and an additional 15 have been placed in quarantine foster homes and are being monitored for potential symptoms.

Vlooswyk said donations are always appreciated. AARCS has created an Amazon wish list with supplies needed for quarantine, including gloves, isolation gowns and toys for the affected dogs.

Gloria Sears, 57, of Edmonton has been charged with causing animals to be in distress and for failing to provide them with adequate care.