Nine dogs die of parvovirus in Port Charlotte home; investigation underway

Charlotte County Animal Control is investigating the death of at least nine puppies, all found at a Port Charlotte home.

According to a report, the agency was tipped off on March 11 by someone who called and said they saw six dead puppies in the home’s backyard.

The dogs died from a parvovirus outbreak, according to Brian Jones, with Charlotte County Animal Control.

Deputies and animal control investigators went to the home and found nine dead pit bull mixes between the ages of four to 12 months.

“We received an anonymous complaint on Friday, March 11, about two animals that were deceased in the backyard of a property, or several animals,” Jones said. “At which point we contacted the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, and we started taking action to remove the dogs in the property.”

Another three dogs were taken from the home and have also tested positive for parvovirus, Jones said. A bearded dragon was also taken.

The animals are doing well and getting the medical care they need, Jones said.

If it goes untreated, Jones said, it could be deadly.

Liz McCauley, the director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, said it’s also highly preventable.

Submit