Surrenders suspended due to Parvo

Published on 29 November 2024

The surrendering of animals at the Companion Animal Shelter has been temporarily suspended due to the Parvo outbreak across South Australia and New South Wales.

Shelter staff work with animal rescue services based in Victoria to rehome unwanted local animals, however animals from NSW are no longer being accepted to the Victorian service due to the outbreak.

Council said it would resume accepting surrendered animals as soon as it is able to reestablish links with the rehoming service.

"This is a difficult decision for Council, however we also understand the stance taken by Victorian services given the dangerous and contagious nature of Parvo," said Council’s General Manager, Jay Nankivell.

"We try and rehome animals locally where we can, but without access to interstate rehoming our facility would soon be overwhelmed.

"When an animal is surrendered there is the expectation that Council will be able to find it a new home, and unfortunately we're temporarily in a position where we won't be able to meet those expectations.

"Hopefully this Parvo outbreak clears quickly and all animal services can return to normal as soon as possible."

Mr Nankivell said Animal Control services would still continue, but implored locals to be extra vigilant in keeping their animals secure in their yard.

"We'll still do our best to control strays, but ideally we want as few dogs in the facility as possible at this time," he said.

"If Parvo makes its way into an animal shelter it is extremely difficult to control and can lead to large numbers of animals succumbing to the virus.

"It’s imperative that owners keep their dogs secure and out of the animal shelter."

The RSPCA has advised dog owners to make sure their animals have been vaccinated, and to watch for signs of the virus which include vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.

Locals wishing to surrender an animal are encouraged to hold onto their animal until the outbreak clears and animal rescue services resume, make private arrangements to find a new permanent or temporary home for their pet, or seek the services of a veterinarian if there is absolutely no other alternative.