Humane Society continues to treat distemper cases, 2 shelters back open

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Two South Georgia shelters that saw distemper are back open.

Meanwhile, the Albany Humane Society is continuing their fight against the outbreak. They've had to euthanize one dog so far, as they work to get one of their buildings open.

Dogs will remain under quarantine as workers at the Albany Humane Society work to get at least one building open.

"We decided if we can get one building quarantined, our first responsibility is to take care of the ones we have but to also get animal control back up and running," said Donna Strickland with the Humane Society. "They can't pick up so we know there's animals out on the street that you know, need to be picked up."

The Albany Humane Society has had two confirmed cases of distemper, a highly contagious and often deadly disease. The Department of Agriculture put them under a three week quarantine.

The facility that houses the exposed animals will remain under quarantine for another week as they continue medicating the dogs.

"Everybody is in one building. Everybody is still getting meds every day," said Strickland. We still only have the same 13 with symptoms. They're not getting any worse and we haven't had any new. So we're feeling pretty confident right now."

The Moultrie Colquitt County Humane Society also saw a case of distemper. They had to euthanize the majority of the 40 dogs there.

Second Chance Animal Rescue in Cairo also had to euthanize dozens of dogs. Both shelters are now back open.

While it's costly, workers at the Albany Humane Society are trying to save as many animals as possible.

"These animals are going to be medicated probably for the next four weeks at least," said Strickland. "Of course we've had to invest in tarps and create shade and more swimming pools because now we have a lot of them that are outside."

They're hoping people will continue showing support as they work to keep these dogs alive. Workers at the Albany Humane Society say no donation is too small.

There's a total of 64 dogs at the shelter. Adoptions will still not be allowed for several weeks.

If you would like to donate or help out, call the Albany Humane Society at 229-888-7387.

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