By Rick Rouan, The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS – A Franklin County judge reportedly granted rescue groups a temporary restraining order that stop the euthanizing of dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, as long as the rescue groups post a required $100,000 bond.
The report on WBNS 10-TV indicated the funds for the bond might be difficult for the organizations to raise.
Meanwhile, The Columbus Dispatch reported that the shelter is extending free veterinary care to recently adopted dogs that might have been exposed to distemper as the number of dogs euthanized continues to grow.
Another 20 dogs were euthanized at the shelter on Tamarack Boulevard in the Northland area on Wednesday night, bringing the total killed because of a respiratory disease outbreak to 84.
A “similar number” of dogs likely will be euthanized over each of the next few days, dog shelter Director Don Winstel said. So far, three cases of distemper, a deadly respiratory disease that can cause neurological damage, have been confirmed at the shelter.
Anyone who adopted a dog at the shelter after Aug. 8 can take their dog to Rascal Animal Hospital, 5830 Britton Parkway in Dublin, for a free exam and distemper test. Dog owners should bring paperwork from the shelter and leave the dog in the car while they walk in to make arrangements to be seen.
No appointments are needed, and dog owners can call 614-791-7729 for more information. The hospital is open 24 hours a day.
“For the dogs that were adopted out of this building during that period we’re concerned about, we want to make sure they get adequate medical care if they’re showing symptoms of disease,” said Erik Janas, deputy county administrator.
On Wednesday, Winstel said the shelter was overwhelmed with requests from people who recently adopted dogs, caring for dogs that are under quarantine and operating the shelter. He said then that the county didn’t have the resources to pay for outside care.
But Commissioner John O’Grady said Thursday that there was no shortage of money and that the county could tap into its general fund to pay for that care.