Veterinarians at the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center are taking issue with how a group of animals were transported after four puppies had to be put down because they were illegally carried into the state and contracted an often-fatal canine disease.
“This is a worst-case scenario,” said Dr. Cynthia Cox, an MSPCA veterinarian. “Many rescue groups follow the importation laws while transporting animals. … However, as we have seen in this case, if the regulations are circumvented the repercussions can be felt in the community.”
A truck carrying dozens of dogs and puppies arrived in Massachusetts from the Midwest earlier this month.
It is believed that some of those puppies contracted parvovirus, life-threatening canine virus spread by oral contact with feces.
The Jamaica Plain clinic cared for the 14 dogs that had to be quarantined. Four puppies had to be put down because they would not react to stimuli and collapsed when they tried to stand.
