The San Diego Humane Society is putting a halt on owner surrenders of dogs due to a potent one-two punch of Streptococcus Equi subspecies Zooepidemicus, infamously known as "Strep Zoo," and a bacterial infection called Mycoplasma. The combination has been wreaking havoc, leading to harsher illnesses than the shelter's seen from single pathogens as reported by the San Diego Humane Society's news center.
With an eye-popping occupancy of 178% capacity for dogs, these folks are doing more than just talking the talk; they're walking the walk. The society has thrown open the kennel doors and waived adoption fees until December 1, says a Hoodline scoop. All this is in the hope of rehoming at least a chunk of the 425 adoptable canines currently in their care. It doesn't stop there; they’re even waiving reclaim fees for lost dogs scooped up by their owners through January 2, 2024, and anyone with the heart to foster is being offered a $100 Visa gift card for taking in mother dogs and their pups for two weeks, all the while assuring it’s safe to mix Strep Zoo-treated dogs with other household pets.
“Any shelter that cares for the large number of animals we care for is used to managing infectious disease. But this is the first time we have had this highly virulent pathogen,” Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, lamented to his organization's news center.
The society has been proactive, reaching out to community members who've adopted dogs potentially exposed to Strep Zoo and offering them testing and treatment. Those who locate lost animals are strongly encouraged to participate in the Wait 48 and StrayCare programs.
