Douglas County Animal Shelter Re-Opens Following Pneumonia Outbreak
Animals Are Now Healthy and Available for Adoption and Fostering
(Douglasville, GA)- The Douglas County Animal Shelter has re-opened, effective today, following a pneumonia outbreak and mandatory quarantine that forced a temporary closure. The 14-day quarantine order by the Georgia Department of Agriculture on January 18 followed the shelter’s voluntary closure two days earlier after 14 dogs housed at the facility fell ill with pneumonia.
During its quarantine period, the shelter remained closed to the public and no animals were allowed to enter or leave the facility except for those being reclaimed. Additionally, Animal Control operated on an emergency-only basis, accepting only injured or aggressive animals, or those involved in cases of cruelty.
As a result of adhering to those strict protocols, the shelter was able to contain the spread of the illness, with the exception of four additional dogs whose ‘kennel cough’ progressed to pneumonia. After completing a medically supervised course of treatment, all of the affected animals are doing well. No cats were affected by the illness, and shelter staff remain in good health.
"The health and welfare of the animals in our care is always a top priority. We are grateful they responded well to treatment,” said Vanessa Francikowski, Douglas County Animal Services Director. “Additionally, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our volunteers and our community for the donations, encouragement, and support that kept us in good spirits during our closure,” said Francikowski.
Following the quarantine order, the shelter sustained building damage resulting from burst pipes during the winter snap. Repairs have since been made and normal shelter operations have resumed along with adoption and fostering opportunities. The shelter is located at 2171 Mack Road Douglasville, GA 30135. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information regarding Animal Services, visit the Douglas County Website at www.douglascountyga.govand navigate to the Animal Services page. You can also contact the shelter via phone at: 770-942-5961.
For media availability, please contact Yvette Jones, Chief Communications Officer, at yjones@douglascountyga.govor 470-662-0617.
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