(CMR) The Department of Agriculture is now ready to begin the rehoming process for 45 of the 53 dogs confiscated from local Pet Emporium owner, Sylvia Felicity Francis (54) last month.
Confirmation has been received that eight of the 53 dogs have died as a result of a parvovirus outbreak. However, the remaining dogs have now been given the all clear after the required quarantine at the DOA shelter. As a result of no new cases of parvovirus for the past three weeks the rehoming process will now begin shortly.
The community was shocked to learn in early May that Francis had voluntarily relinquished 53 dogs from her residence in Prospect after a joint operation with DOA and the RCIPS. The small dog breeds were found to be in unsanitary conditions with serious health issues and kept in overcrowded small cages.
Breeds include Shih Tzu, Yorkshire terriers, Maltese, Dachshund and Pekingese and mixtures and are now in stable condition. Adrian Estwick, director of the DOA, said
“In the coming week, the department will engage with the local animal charities to discuss options for the way forward for the rehoming and eventual adoption of the dogs.”
He said the timeline for getting the dogs adopted depended on the charities’ resources, availability of suitable foster care, the dogs health in terms of their fitness for vaccination, spay and neuter and “the appropriate legal authorities”.
Many persons have expressed concerns about whether or not Francis will be criminally charged for what is said to be the largest seizure of dogs in the Cayman Islands. She was warned for prosecution at the time of the confiscation. She still operates a warehouse style pet store in George Town off Godfrey Nixon Way.
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