Six dogs die of parvovirus at Ontario County animal shelter

• Six dogs, some of which were seized as part of an alleged animal cruelty case in Geneva, have died of the highly contagious parvovirus,
• The Ontario County Humane Society’s Happy Tails animal shelter, which had closed temporarily, will reopen Feb. 27.

HOPEWELL, NY — Six dogs have died at the Ontario County Humane Society’s Happy Tails animal shelter after an outbreak of a highly contagious virus related to an alleged Geneva animal cruelty case. 

Not all the dogs that died of parvovirus were those seized from a Geneva apartment earlier in February, according to Kurt Koczent, president of the Humane Society’s board of directors. 

The shelter had been closed for cleaning and to quarantine the dogs in the care of Happy Tails. 

“The shelter staff is completely torn up about it,” Koczent said. “This is really sad for everybody, but they’re the ones caring for the animals.” 

Dogs seized from Geneva apartment

A search warrant was executed Feb. 10 at an apartment on Middle Street, Geneva. Investigators discovered 11 dogs, including one 4-year-old female pit bull, three young female pit bulls and seven puppies, living in deplorable conditions with urine and feces on the floor, according to a Humane Society report.  

The dogs were seized and cared for at Happy Tails. 

Two people are facing 11 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. Koczent said the Humane Society is investigating further charges. 

What is parvovirus?

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus if untreated, especially in puppies and kittens and unvaccinated adult dogs. Within 24 hours of having the dogs in their care, the dogs started showing symptoms, Koczent said.  

The signs of parvovirus infection vary from dog to dog, depending on the severity of the infection, but can include fever or low body temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe, often bloody, diarrhea and abdominal pain and loating, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The American Animal Hospital Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommend owners get parvo vaccinations for their dogs and cats. 

When will Happy Tails reopen?

As of Feb. 25, Happy Tail was sheltering 48 dogs and no new positive tests or symptoms were reported in the last week, Koczent said. 

The shelter is scheduled to reopen Thursday, Feb. 27. 

Can the community still help Happy Tails?

The community came through with donations and supplies to help the shelter after the Geneva dogs were seized, so much so that 650 individual dog supply items and food were collected as of Sunday. The shelter now has no more room for donated items, Koczent said. 

“An incredible outpouring of supplies from the community, which was amazing,” Koczent said.  

While supplies are no longer needed, financial donations are being accepted to help pay for veterinary care. 

To donate, visit https://www.ontariocountyhumanesociety.org/donate.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.  

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