SAN ANGELO, Texas — The San Angelo Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into an unknown substance exposure to the dogs in the San Angelo Animal Shelter.
According to a press release from the City of San Angelo, around Saturday, Nov. 13, there was an exposure of an unknown substance to the City’s canine population, resulting in the deaths of three dogs and widespread illness in dogs throughout the shelter.
Through the City’s partnership with Concho Valley PAWS, immediate medical support was provided to all affected dogs, the release said.
The issue is unique to dogs within the shelter and poses no risk to the community. All other animals at the shelter nor shelter staff were affected.
At this time, the release said, the diagnosis of a contagious bacterial or viral infection is unlikely. The evidence points to exposure to a non-contagious substance, however diagnostic tests have not confirmed those results and the investigation is still ongoing.
All dogs have been treated accordingly to ensure their safety while in shelter residence.
The City and Concho Valley PAWS continue to quarantine and observe the health of dogs for adoptability, while working closely with local veterinarians and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
Evidence suggests there is no risk to dogs in the community, because this does not appear to be a contagious viral or bacterial infection, the release said.
Animal Services is open for intake; however, citizens are urged to take proper precautions such as microchipping their pets, checking their fence for “escape spots,” and registering their pet on helpmegethome.com and lost.petcolove.org.
Found pets brought into the shelter may still be claimed by their owners. Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1, PAWS will reopen cat adoptions to the public. Dog adoptions will resume Dec. 11.
The criminal investigation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available from the City of San Angelo or the San Angelo Police Department.
