Police investigating canine exposure to unknown substance at San Angelo Animal Shelter
Around Saturday, Nov. 13, there was an exposure of an unknown substance to the San Angelo Animal Shelter’s canine population, resulting in three dogs losing their lives and widespread canine illness throughout the shelter, according to a press release from the City of San Angelo.
Through the City’s partnership with Concho Valley PAWS, immediate medical support was provided to all affected dogs, the release stated.
The issue is unique to canines within the shelter and poses no risk to the community, according to the release. All other animals at the shelter, in addition to shelter staff, were not affected. This is an ongoing criminal investigation with the San Angelo Police Department.
At this time, diagnosis of a contagious bacterial or viral infection is unlikely, the release stated, with evidence pointing to exposure to a non-contagious substance. However, diagnostic tests have not confirmed those results and the investigation is still ongoing. All dogs have been treated accordingly to ensure their safety while in shelter residence.
The City and Concho Valley PAWS continue to quarantine and observe the health of canines for adoptability, while working closely with local veterinarians and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, the release stated.
Evidence suggests there is no risk to canines in the community because this does not appear to be a contagious viral or bacterial infection, according to the release. Animal Services is open for intake; however, citizens are urged to take proper precautions such as microchipping their pets, checking their fence for “escape spots,” and registering their pet on helpmegethome.com and lost.petcolove.org.
Found pets brought into the shelter may still be claimed by their owners. Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1, PAWS will reopen cat adoptions to the public. Dog adoptions will resume Dec. 11.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Canine exposure to substance at San Angelo Animal Shelter investigated
