Three of the dogs were transferred to rescue groups, and the 13 remaining dogs will be monitored during a 10-day waiting period to make sure the virus isn't present before they will be considered for adoption.
Garner Animal Control and police seized the dogs from a residence on Bournemouth Lane from a woman they say was trying to run an animal adoption center from her back yard. They were careful to point out that it was not a puppy mill operation.
The makeshift shelter came to the attention of animal control after a neighbor filed a complaint about dogs running loose.
Police say animal rescuer Shelly Spicer had fostered and tried to adopt out dogs for years but think she may have become overwhelmed.
It was simply a case of somebody trying to do good, but had just more dogs than the resources she had, Garner police spokesman Chris Clayton said.
Trying to save animal lives is not cheap, as one animal rescuer pointed out.
"People know that you're trying to help save stray animals, or maybe someone calls you about an abuse case," said Jodi Jackson, who was formerly with a rescue group, "and when that happens, it is difficult to say no.
"It is so hard to turn your head when you see, or hear of, a homeless mother dog on the street with puppies in tow. And it's easy to get overwhelmed. Even with the best intentions and good resources, it gets very expensive with food and medical care."
Initially, Spicer's dogs appeared in good condition and were transported to Wake County Animal Control and Adoption Center, however, further tests show they had parvo, which is an extremely contagious disease among dogs.
Adult dogs may be infected carriers of parvo without showing any clinical signs, which indicates that Spicer didn't necessarily know the dogs were contagious. Experts say that it takes seven to 10 days from the time of exposure for dogs and puppies to start showing symptoms and to test positive for the virus.
Without intense treatment by a veterinarian, the victims of parvo usually die of dehydration. The treatment, which is oftentimes pricey, consists of IV fluids and antibiotics.
Parvo is highly contagious to unprotected dogs, and the virus can remain infectious in ground contaminated with fecal material for many months if conditions are favorable. Some authorities estimate five months, while some say nine months or longer.
Most disinfectants cannot kill the virus. Chlorine bleach is supposedly the most effective product that works, experts say, and is commonly used by veterinarians.
Spicer did not return a call for comment.
Authorities do not plan to file charges against her.
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