**Target:** Ms. Lisa H. Kaylor, Director of Gwinnett County Animal Welfare
**Goal:** Ensure accountability and appropriate measures to address outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus that resulted in the sudden deaths of three dogs.
A troubling situation has emerged at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Georgia, where an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus has led to the sudden deaths of three dogs within just a week. According to reports, these unexpected fatalities occurred amid an investigation into a baffling illness that poses risks not only to animals but potentially to humans as well. The outbreak has raised significant concerns regarding the health protocols and animal care practices at the shelter, prompting the facility to pause all adoptions while it seeks to comprehend the magnitude of this crisis.
Witness statements and health reports suggest that the dogs displayed alarming symptoms such as severe respiratory distress, nasal discharge, vomiting, and a rapid decline in health within 24 to 48 hours before their deaths. Allegations have arisen questioning whether the shelter had adequate measures in place to detect and respond to this contagious disease, which can reportedly be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, yet proved fatal in this instance. The facility is currently closed until mid-December to mitigate further risks, but the broader implications of this outbreak demand immediate attention and scrutiny.
It is crucial that the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare takes appropriate actions to address this alarming event and ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. Accountability is necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future and to protect the health and safety of all animals in their care. The community calls for an investigation into the conditions that allowed this outbreak to escalate and for measures to be put in place to enhance animal welfare standards at the shelter.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Kaylor,
The recent outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter, which resulted in the sudden and tragic deaths of three dogs, raises serious concerns regarding the health management protocols within the facility. Reports indicate that these innocent animals displayed severe respiratory distress and other alarming symptoms but received no timely intervention. This apparent failure to act raises questions about the adequacy of care and preventive measures in place to protect vulnerable animals and the broader community.
Following these distressing events, it has come to our attention that all adoptions at the shelter are on hold while investigations proceed. However, the need for transparency and accountability is paramount. It is critical that investigations examine whether the shelter had proper procedures to detect and contain such outbreaks and whether immediate actions could have possibly saved these dogs. The implications of this situation are not confined to the shelter; they resonate with animal welfare advocates and the public who expect the highest standards of care.
In light of these circumstances, we urge you to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted regarding the outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus and to implement robust measures to prevent any recurrence. The welfare of the animals at your facility and the safety of the community depend on addressing this issue with urgency and seriousness.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
