79 dogs confiscated, put down

SUMMERFIELD, Fla. - Marion County Animal Services reports putting down 79 cocker spaniel-Chihuahua mix-breed dogs removed from a home earlier this week after the animals tested positive for canine parvo.

The dogs were removed from a double-wide mobile home in Summerfield on Tuesday after the owner, 54-year-old Christine Watson, called authorities and told them that she could no longer care for the dogs.

Animal service workers that went to the home had to call the fire department because ammonia levels in the home were too high. The workers said the dogs were dirty, and none were vaccinated, spayed or neutered.

Canine parvovirus is a highly infectious virus spread between dogs by direct or indirect contact with feces and generally affects the heart or intestines.