Animal Shelter Shut Down Due To Dog Respiratory Disease

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL -- Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge has temporarily shut down part of its facility because of a respiratory disease sweeping the shelter that apparently affects dogs. The animal shelter is only offering limited services and is not accepting stray or owner-surrendered dogs for the time being. Dog adoptions are also put on hold.

According to post dated Jan. 20 on Animal Welfare League’s Facebook page, the shelter is “choosing to be proactive due to a recent illness that presented itself as kennel cough.” Sick dogs are undergoing further testing to confirm or rule out a possible bacteria infection, “which has unfortunately [affected] some of the dogs in our shelter.” Dogs are being kept in an isolated area and are being cared for by the shelter’s veterinarian staff.

“All animals are more susceptible to contracting an illness/virus if they are not up to date on their vaccines,” the shelter said in Facebook statement. “Just like human outbreaks, those not protected with vaccines are more at risk.”

Animal Welfare League is still accepting stray and owner-surrendered cats at the Chicago Ridge location. Cat adoptions are not affected by the canine isolation.

This story is developing.

Photo: Sign on door of Animal Welfare League notifying public that dog adoptions and dog intake and outtake operations have been suspended as of Jan. 20. | Provided by Contributor