Updated
Updated · Western Massachusetts News · Jul 6
TJO Shelter Suspends Cat and Dog Adoptions Over 2-Virus Outbreak
Updated
Updated · Western Massachusetts News · Jul 6

TJO Shelter Suspends Cat and Dog Adoptions Over 2-Virus Outbreak

3 articles · Updated · Western Massachusetts News · Jul 6

Summary

  • Springfield’s Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center will remain closed to the public, with all cat and dog adoptions halted after confirmed feline panleukopenia and canine parvovirus cases in the shelter.
  • Several cats and dogs have been affected, and TJO said canine parvovirus has been present since April, with more sick animals expected to arrive.
  • 413-781-1484 ext. 2 remains available for owners whose animals are in custody, as the shelter warned that keeping pets there longer raises their exposure risk.
  • Vaccination is the best protection against both diseases, TJO said, adding that vaccine clinic information will be released later; donations can still be dropped at the front door.

Insights

When a shelter closes its doors, does it inadvertently create a more dangerous crisis for animals on the streets?
Are deadly shelter outbreaks an unavoidable tragedy or a symptom of a much larger systemic failure?