NEW: Unlicensed Animal Shelter Under Investigation
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Department of Environmental Management’s Divisions of Agriculture and Law Enforcement investigated a report of an unlicensed animal shelter that held a dog adoption event at the Exeter Animal Shelter on Sunday, January 29. The adoption event was not affiliated with the Town of Exeter.
Upon investigation it was learned that Ryan’s Hope Rescue, operated by Gina Brown-Parra, brought several dogs to the event that were offered for adoption. DEM’s records do not reveal that Brown-Parra has been issued an animal shelter license as is required under RI General Law. On January 29, she was issued an order to cease and desist by DEM and also issued a written warning that this activity requires proper licensure. DEM’s investigators allege that Brown-Parra and Ryan’s Hope Rescue typically charges approximately $300 per dog for an adoption fee.
As many as 20 dogs illegally placed
DEM’s continuing investigation also indicates that Brown-Parra may have placed as many as 20 dogs in new homes at the January 29th adoption event. It has also been learned that Brown-Parra had several dogs in her possession that she allegedly picked up as strays in the communities of Providence, Cranston, and Coventry; the dogs were turned over to the SPCA on Monday. She also had at least one dog in her home that she allegedly picked up as a stray in South Providence near Public Street and Prairie Ave. on or about January 25 that was confirmed to be infected with canine parvovirus (parvo), a highly contagious and often fatal infection. This dog subsequently died as a complication of this infection.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIs one of these dogs yours? It may need veterinary attention
DEM is asking that anyone who has adopted or fostered a dog from Gina Brown-Parra or Ryan’s Hope Rescue since approximately January 15th to contact their veterinarian immediately, especially if any dog in the household is displaying symptoms commonly found in dogs suffering from the parvovirus infection (vomiting, diarrhea, depression, fever). Parvovirus cannot be transmitted to people, therefore there is no public health risk associated with this infection. However, parvovirus can be easily passed between dogs, especially in young dogs and dogs that are not adequately vaccinated.
DEM is also requesting that anyone who adopted or fostered a dog from Gina Brown-Parra or Ryan’s Hope Rescue that is sick or has been diagnosed with any illness to contact RI State Veterinarian Scott Marshall, DVM at 222-4700 ext. 4503 so that other parties can be notified of a possible contact with an infected dog. Finally, DEM requests that any person from Providence, Cranston, or Coventry who is missing their dog contact their local animal control officer. DEM will be working with all involved municipalities to determine whether missing pets may have been adopted or fostered through Ryan’s Hope Rescue. The investigation is ongoing. The purpose of this notice is primarily to notify the public of a potential exposure to an infectious disease of dogs and to attempt to reunite dog owners with their missing pets.
