Dogs Home closed by deadly virus outbreak
A dogs home with a branch near Wolverhampton has been forced to close for three weeks due to an outbreak of a highly contagious canine virus.
Parvovirus, which attacks the cells in a dog's intestine, can be fatal for dogs if left untreated. The virus is particularly dangerous for puppies aged between six weeks and six months.
After seeing positive cases, the Birmingham Dogs Home rescue centre on Catherine-de-Barnes Lane in Solihull made the decision on Tuesday to close for three weeks in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
The Sunnyside Centre in Coven near Wolverhampton, which is run by the same group, remains open.
A spokesperson for the rescue said: "Following some positive cases of parvovirus in kennels at our Birmingham rescue centre in the past few days, we have made the difficult decision to close our centre for a further three weeks from May, 3.
"Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus and can be very serious, particularly in young and medically vulnerable dogs.
"The health of all the dogs in our care is our top priority and every dog is receiving regular vet checks and treatment if there is any cause for concern.
"Every measure has been put in place, by our dedicated team, to prevent any further infection and ensure every dog receives the very best care.
"Should you find a stray dog or wish to discuss relinquishing a pet, please contact your local dog warden on one of the numbers below, until further notice.
"Should you have a dog booked with us for boarding or grooming during this period, one of our team will be in touch with you directly to discuss alternative arrangements.
"Our Wolverhampton centre currently remains open.
"Thank you for your understanding. We will post regular updates on our social media channels."
The Sunnyside Centre on Dark Lane is now facing increased numbers of stray dogs as their counterparts in Birmingham close.
It comes at a time when rescue shelters nationwide are pushed to their limits as more and more people return dogs due to the cost of living crisis.
Rachel Frost, the digital marketing officer at Birmingham Dogs Home, said: "The Wolverhampton centre has seen an increase in demand because they're the only shelter open for stray dogs.
"We've had the same problem with the cost of living crisis, as more and more dogs are being handed in because owners can't afford to keep them anymore."
She added: "Parvovirus won't be an issue at the Wolverhampton centre as the two rescues are 30 minutes apart and we're making sure no staff travel between the two."
The Birmingham centre is now appealing to the public for donations of blankets after the majority of their blankets were destroyed to contain the virus.
They are also asking for enrichment toys to keep the dogs entertained, as the enforced isolation is challenging for them.
"It's difficult for the dogs, but it's the right thing to do," Rachel added.
Donations can be dropped off at the Solihull centre between 8.30am and 4.30pm every day.
There are also fundraising events scheduled over the coming months to celebrate Birmingham Dogs Home's 130th birthday.
Supporters of the rescue are encouraged to try the Take the Lead Together Challenge, where participants pledge to walk 130 miles in May.
