Pound to re-open after Parvo scare

Naomi Pritchard and little Missy, who has recovered and is now at home.

Chris Ison

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ROCKHAMPTON'S dog pound will re-open for the sale of animals a week after closing its doors for a Parvovirus investigation.

Yesterday a Rockhampton Regional Council spokeswoman said the authority was being vigilant in monitoring animals for symptoms of the virus and had been thorough in its practices and processes.

The spokeswoman said the council pound would re-open and animals would be for sale from tomorrow.

Last week the pound was closed, sparking an investigation into Parvovirus after Rockhampton resident Naomi Pritchard's Staffordshire terrier cross puppy, which was bought from the pound, was infected.

Parvovirus in dogs is a contagious virus that invades the intestines and attacks white blood cells.

Council was yesterday unable to answer questions about whether the area was completely free of Parvovirus, given that a Rockhampton vet had told The Morning Bulletin the virus can live in the ground for up to two years.

“Dogs could be brought into the pound already infected with Parvovirus - this is unavoidable due to the number of stray dogs that are collected by Animal Control Officers,” the spokeswoman said.

Yesterday Naomi said her puppy Missy was well enough to come home and if it wasn't for the help of a generous donation of $500 from a Rockhampton lady and $100 from her friend, she said she wouldn't be holding her.

“She is a little lethargic and has lost a bit of weight and there are some side effects,” she said.

“I was so thankful for the donations; we were stressed because we weren't going to be able to afford to take her home.”