TOLEDO, Ohio — The Monroe County Animal Shelter is asking the public to be on the lookout after it was found that several German Shepherd puppies were dumped around the area.
Monroe County Animal Shelter said the puppies were found around the Telegraph and I-275 area.
The puppies are infected with parvo, a highly contagious disease to dogs. The shelter is warning people that if they find any puppies to not let them around their family dogs.
Lucas County Pit Crew has stepped up to treat and care for them.
So far, four puppies have been located. Two of them were rescued out of a ditch by volunteers.
On Saturday, Pit Crew said that one of the puppies, Monroe, passed away. One other puppy had already died and another seems to be doing OK, according to the shelter.
The shelter said another person found the fourth puppy; that puppy is not in their possession.
According to the American Kennel Club, parvo is a highly contagious disease in puppies that can result in death.
The virus spreads through directed contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object.
Symptoms of parvo include lethargy, fever, dehydration, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
German Shepherds are one of the breeds especially susceptible to parvo, which can be prevented by vaccinations.
The Monroe County Animal Shelter believes there could be more puppies out there infected with the disease.
If you find a puppy in the area, report it immediately, keep it safe and do no bring it around other dogs.
Anyone with information should call 734-240-3125.
