The Williamson County Humane Society in Leander shut down July 6-10 to contain a parvo outbreak that killed five dogs. Pictured is the sign informing visitors and adopters of the closure. According to Gretchen Guyer, Humane Society director, staff and volunteers bleached every square inch of the premises, inside and out. “You could eat off my floors now,” Guyer said. The outbreak originated with Pringles, one of several animals the Humane Society acquired from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, in the wake of reports of alleged unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty there. Volunteers say Pringles had thrown up en route to an adoption event in Georgetown. Once at the Humane Society, Pringles and three other dogs “tested high” for the bloody, painful intestinal disease and had to be put down. A fifth died of possible pneumonia. Amid fears that news of the outbreak could shut down the Humane Society indefinitely, staff instituted stricter intake protocol requiring immediate vaccinations and a longer quarantine period. Former Director Melanie Sobel had fought for a similar vaccination policy at WCAS, but was denied. Guyer invited pet owners to a July 28 vaccination clinic, offering most vaccines for a mere $10 and rabies shots for just $6. For more info, call 260-3602.
This article appears in July 13 • 2007.