The city-run animal shelter is temporarily limiting intake to an emergency-only basis out of an "abundance of caution," Indianapolis Animal Care Services announced Thursday.
Why isn't IACS taking dogs and cats?
Intake was brought to emergency-only after a dog "suddenly and unexpectedly" died less than 24 hours after exhibiting signs of illness, the city said. The dog's symptoms, age and breed were not immediately provided by the city.
What caused the dog's illness?
Samples have been sent for testing, per policy, but results weren't received as of Thursday.
"While the shelter waits for test results, intake of new animals will be limited, allowing staff to manage and potentially treat the current shelter population," a news release said.
Under the guidance of shelter medicine experts, shelter management is putting together protocols and planning how they will be implemented, depending on test results.
Is IACS still taking animals?
Yes, if the animal is injured or presents a public safety risk, the city said.
Can I still adopt an animal?
Yes. Adoptions will happen during the temporary intake changes. The shelter has 162 dogs and 43 cats available for adoption as of Thursday morning, the city said.
"Each adoption reduces overcrowding, which can reduce the spread of potential diseases and bacteria between animals," the news release said.
People considering adoption will be informed of the shelter’s current situation to guide their decision.
When will intake resume?
Unclear. The city said IACS will resume intake of animals in non-emergency situations after receiving test results and/or an appropriate quarantine period. A timeline was not provided.
Where is the city's animal shelter?
2600 S. Harding St. The shelter will be open for adoptions from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Isn't Indianapolis building a new animal shelter?
Yes. That project is in the works in the 5000 block of East Raymond Street on the city's southeast side.
That shelter will be up to 70,000 square feet, nearly three times the size of the South Harding Street shelter, the city said in a news release announcing the project.
Related: New animal shelter breaks ground in southeast Indianapolis
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy animal shelter pauses intake after dog 'suddenly and unexpectedly' dies
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