(PORT HURON TOWNSHIP) — St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon says there was a parvovirus outbreak among dogs seized from the Cottrellville Township dog hoarding case, which led to the euthanization of 14 dogs at the county’s Animal Control Office. 98 dogs were either surrendered by the homeowners or seized by authorities once the incident was reported on June 14. Last week, one of the dogs brought to Animal Control was showing symptoms of parvovirus. After running tests, it was decided by a veterinarian that 14 dogs showing severe effects would have to be euthanized. During that time, several rescue organizations throughout the state stepped up and took 24 dogs from Animal Control with two of them showing signs of parvo and eight weren’t showing symptoms, but tested positive. The disease was spread because their owners, Michael and Lynn Higgins, did not have them vaccinated. The couple has been charged with abandoning/cruelty to animals and are set to appear in court on July 6 for a probable cause hearing. Since the outbreak, the area where dogs are housed has been decontaminated.
