Mar 21 • 05:45 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

"Little Houses" Were Forced to Close Their Doors Quickly: A Painful Blow Resulted in Casualties

A Lithuanian animal shelter faced a sudden closure due to a cat plague outbreak, leading to the loss of several animals and a challenging operational environment.

In early February, a swift decision was made to close down animal shelter branches, which many initially perceived as a temporary pause. However, employees reported a starkly different reality, stating that the shutdown did not mean the cessation of work; rather, operations intensified under significantly more challenging circumstances. Staff described the atmosphere as one of constant uncertainty and fear, worrying about whether all animals would survive.

The recent outbreak of a cat plague was unexpectedly severe, traced back to six kittens rescued from an airport area. While the kittens initially appeared healthy, their condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting the shelter to take immediate action. It was decided to isolate both shelter units — one designated for treatment and the other for monitoring, in an effort to contain the spread of the disease.

In the weeks following the outbreak, the shelter described their experience as akin to a "mini apocalypse." Although the immediate crisis has subsided, the emotional and physical toll remains heavy as the shelter mourns the loss of six cats, three of which had not yet been adopted. The situation underscores the complex challenges faced by animal shelters and the urgent need for vigilance in disease management to protect vulnerable populations.

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