HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Hernando County Animal Services is modifying dog operations due to a virus among the kennel population.
Fifteen dogs at the shelter are currently showing signs of an upper respiratory infection consistent with pneumovirus. According to HCAS, pneumovirus is usually non-fatal to dogs, and no dogs have died due to the illness.
The modifications to operations are:
- Dog intakes will be limited to essential dogs, including bite quarantine dogs where the owner requests euthanasia, injured strays, stray dogs exhibiting aggressive and dangerous behavior, pre-approved owner-requested euthanasia and strays posing a risk to public safety.
- Sterilization surgeries will be suspended until the virus clears the shelter population.
Cat operations remain the same, according to HCAS.
These changes will begin at 5:00 p.m. on April 26 and will last until further notice.

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